Two more lawmakers – Michael Tien of Roundtable and Tony Tse who represents the architectural, surveying, planning and landscape sector – on Monday joined more than a dozen incumbents in stepping away from the upcoming Legislative Council election.

Tien, a 75-year-old who has been a lawmaker since 2012, said his decision followed discussions with members of his Roundtable group over the weekend.

Tien said he would instead support others in the group to run in the elections come December.

“Roundtable is a voice for the voiceless, like children, like those that do not have very strong lobbying power in society,” he said.

"We represent them across all sectors, all fields.

"We believe this is our biggest accomplishment.

"And it doesn't depend on me. It depends on a set of beliefs. And we hope that that belief can continue."

He said Roundtable would continue to function as a think-tank with him remaining as its convener, delivering on policies that it advocates with a focus on railway development and management.

Tien praised the current administration for proactively engaging lawmakers in private discussions while formulating policy, pointing out that he only abstains when he disapproves of policy specifics.

On his record of abstentions on government bills and what some see as his confrontational debate style, Tien said it's unfair for him to be described as a "bad boy" in the legislature, saying he is simply fulfilling his duty by daring to speak out.

With incumbents such as himself opting out of December’s polls, Tien said he doesn't believe the absence of prominent figures would affect voter turnout.

With competition expected to be intense, it may even surpass the last election, he said.

Tse, for his part, cited family reasons for opting out of the legislative election.

The 70-year-old said he would continue serving the industry and society in a different role with his experience as a multi-term legislator and professional expertise.
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Last updated: 2025-10-20 HKT 16:31