Since its establishment on 19 March 2006, the Civic Party has strived unceasingly to work towards a democratic and fairer Hong Kong. During this time, we have been baptized in a series of three elections: the elections for members of the sub-sectors of the Chief Executive Election Committee, the election of the Chief Executive and the District Council elections. None of them were easy for a young party to contest. However, we emerged from the tests pretty well, thanks to our voters.

Apart from electoral activities, the Party has been occupied with a myriad of public affairs on a daily basis, with issues ranging from metropolitan design to trans-fat regulation. We have taken part in these activities within Legco and outside, interacting with the public in street forums, and project partnerships with civic organizations and by visits to families in their homes. At no time has the Party spared its efforts in working for the common good. Thus, party members have made many sacrifices in terms of time, money and so on. We are driven by the Party’s motto “the civic spirit, the Hong Kong spirit”. The hard slog to develop the Civic Party has not dampened our belief in democracy and the severe challenges we have faced have not changed our commitment to social justice.

We are now facing an even more formidable battle: the Legislative Council election. Although this is a battle for legislative seats, we must recognize the deeper meaning behind it. This is to secure an effective platform to work for the people’s wellbeing, using our professional knowledge and skills. In other words, it is a battle for social justice. Hence, our campaign slogan is “the civic way, the fairer way”. Fairness is a virtue desired by all. Fairness is a virtue required at all times. Fairness is a virtue that knows no boundary. Citizens in a modern society like Hong Kong should never be so absorbed with themselves to become indifferent to the injustice suffered by others. The economic prosperity achieved in Hong Kong should not lessen our dedication towards creating a fairer society. A civilized metropolis can-not afford to achieve a low score on the score sheet of fairness.

Dear candidates of the Civic Party, you are sent out today to preach “the civic way, the fairer way”. Hong Kong needs to rebuild fairness! The call of fairness involves granting all people an equal right to full citizenship, without which they can never be true masters of their own destiny. It also involves putting an end to monopolistic practices and attempts to manipulate the market. Helping the disadvantaged to free themselves from poverty so that they can live a normal life is no less important. It is fair to let our descendants inherit a sustainable environment conducive to a good life for all. Thus, the goal we are striving at is the replacement of sham harmony by dependable fairness and the substitution of interest-skewed prosperity with a fair sharing of economic gains.

In the present battle, nineteen members of the Party have determinedly marched to the front, forming a crack force with their campaign managers, volunteers and fellow Party members. The Party has assembled quite a few new young talents who together with experienced legislators and district councilors, form a vibrant, skilled and creative contingent ready to serve the community after the election. We have many kinds of professionals in the Party with vision and dedication, thus making us an effective power to participate in public affairs.

Today is a great day. Let us stride proudly ahead to meet type of challenges. The result of our 56-day campaign will affect the extent to which we in the democratic camp can counter balance the influence of the conservative force in the legislature, in the interest of rebuilding fairness in Hong Kong. We shall engage in the elections with enthusiasm and vigour, yet we should remain circumspect in our words and deeds. We shall fully capitalize on the strengths of the Party to deliver with excellence. Let us promise to do our best for the campaign and render full support to our candidates at the front, so that on the morning of the 8th September when the election results are announced, we will be proud of the good seeds we have sown.

Last but not least, the Civic Party appeals to the general public and the voters: “Don’t be aloof spectators; show an interest, and take part actively!” The point is not to canvass your vote for the Civic Party (although we would be grateful if you did). The point is to remind you that the works of the government and the Legislative Council (including its will and capability to monitor the government) have a direct and an indirect effect on your daily life. Therefore, your participation in the election has a bearing on the future distribution of gains and losses to you in future. Never believe that the words of the lowly carry little weight and that one vote has no impact on the overall picture. If everyone were to think this way, it would become a self-fulfilling prophecy meaning that the influence of the few who have voted is magnified and their interests further consolidated at your long-term expense. However, should every one of you thinks otherwise and comes out to vote, the influence of the multitude is brought into play thereby guaranteeing greater fairness of legislation and governance. The core value of fairness requires each of us to play an active citizen’s role. I do hope that all registered electors turn out to vote on 7 September.