Chief Executive (CE) Donald Tsang yesterday appointed legislator Lau Kong-wah, who is also vice-chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, as a member of the Executive Council (ExCo).

Lau, whose appointment takes effect today, is replacing his fellow party member Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, who has been elected president of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and resigned from the ExCo.

Lau was very pleased with the appointment, saying this provides him a new platform to reflect people's views to the CE.

In a statement, the CE thanked Tsang for his wise counsel and solid analysis during his service since July 2002. He also praised Lau as having rich experience in the legislature and district affair, while his acceptance of the appointment shows his firm commitment to serving the community of Hong Kong.

Executive Council convener Leung Chun-ying welcomed Lau's appointment on behalf of the other non-official members. He said he is confident that Lau will bring in valuable advice to the cabinet and assist the CE in policy-making.

James Sung, a political scientist at the City University, said Lau's appointment was within his expectation, given Lau's seniority in the party, experience in district affairs and LegCo work and his eloquence.

Speaking on his appointment as a cabinet member, Lau said: "I am very happy to have this new platform or channel to reflect voices, opinions of the people to the Chief Executive. In future, I also hope to communicate more with other political parties in the Legislative Council and offer more proactive contribution to the executive-legislative relation".

Lau began his political career in 1985 when he became a member of Shatin District Board (now renamed District Council). In 1996, he joined the then Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong and in the subsequent year, he became a member of the erstwhile Provisional Legislative Council. Since 1998, he has been winning in Legislative Council geographical constituency elections. He became vice-chairman of the party (which was renamed the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong) in 2005. In last month's Legislative Council elections, he garnered over 100,000 votes, more than what he received in 2004 despite a lower voter turnout this year.

(HK Edition 10/15/2008 page1)