Five candidates contesting the New Territories South West constituency in the upcoming Legislative Council elections took to the stage at Tsuen Wan Town Hall on Tuesday for the first election forum organised by the government, unveiling their platforms and sharing their views on a range of issues.

Lo Yuen-ting, former chairwoman of Kwai Tsing District Council and a member of the DAB, highlighted her deep roots in the district, saying she has always lived there and has long been involved in addressing community issues. She said the issues she cares most about include transport, accessibility, and public housing.

“When I listen to residents talking about their everyday lives, they tell me that they want their voices to be heard and valued. They also want to see each of their proposals implemented to improve their quality of life,” she said.

District councillor Kwok Fu-yung, who is also from the DAB, highlighted her upbringing in a rooftop home in Tsuen Wan. A mother of two, Kwok said she cares deeply about family well-being, fair education opportunities and young people's mental health.

"We hope to increase childcare places so parents can take a break. We should also introduce child vouchers to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to receive an education. We must pay attention to our young people's mental health and provide them with earlier support," she said.

Joephy Chan, a Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker seeking re-election, said she remains unwavering in her commitment to public service. She added that she still speaks her mind and will continue to prioritise protecting local workers and tackling abuse of imported labour schemes.

"Labour issues are paramount. Citizens care about whether their jobs provide stable incomes. Workers from both the grassroots and the middle classes share a timeless hope: that their labour will be rewarded. That’s why my platform prioritises local workers for employment,” she said.

Marcella Cheung, a Tsuen Wan district councillor from the New People’s Party, focused on supporting the underprivileged, including the elderly, and patients with chronic illnesses, and strengthening primary healthcare services.

“During our visits to elderly residents and patients, we learned that waiting times for public healthcare are very long. If I have the opportunity to join the Legislative Council, I will campaign to improve primary healthcare services,” she said.

Mok Yee-ki, from the Business and Professionals Alliance, said she would support SMEs and promote night markets and hawker economies in Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi, in order to boost domestic consumption.

“We recognise that the networks and strengths of industrial and commercial professions can help us expand business opportunities. I believe that everyone who strives should benefit from the fruits of the economy,” she said.

A total of 39 “Patriots Collaborate for Good Governance” election forums are being organised by the government, covering the geographical, functional and Election Committee constituencies. All the forums will be broadcast live on RTHK TV31 and RTHK Radio 1.