In the course of history, some choose stability while others choose to go against the tide. Lam Cheuk-ting, who could have enjoyed a comfortable and well-paid job in the Independent Commission Against Corruption, instead bravely entered the political arena, dedicating himself to the democratic movement. His conviction stemmed from the events of the June Fourth Incident in 1989, when at the age of just 11, he witnessed the sounds of gunfire and bloodshed on television screens, planting the seed of his pursuit of justice.
He applied twice to be an assistant for the Democratic Party, eventually entering the political scene and becoming a legislative councilor. From exposing corruption and opposing authoritarian rule, every step he took was a testament to his ideals. However, following the 2019 anti-extradition movement, his life was rewritten by numerous trials and imprisonment. Even while incarcerated, he remained steadfast in his refusal to plead guilty, walking the narrow path without regrets. His story is not just a personal choice but a testimony to the backbone of the people of Hong Kong.
In 1989, the Beijing student movement erupted, and 11-year-old Lam Cheuk-ting sat in front of the television every day, watching news from Tiananmen Square. On June 4th, the sound of gunfire rang out, and the images of blood on the screen shook the young student from Tuen Mun.
“In sixth grade, it was 1989, June 4th. At that time, I watched the news every day…” he recalled. This tragedy served as his political awakening, prompting him to contemplate the meaning of justice. Perhaps at that time, he never imagined that this belief would shape his entire life.
One of the most striking things about Lam Cheuk-ting may be his height, standing at 1.92 meters (6 feet 4 inches), earning him the nickname “Tall Lam”.
After finishing high school, Lam Cheuk-ting enrolled in the Political and Administrative Studies Department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. In an era where everyone was gravitating towards studying business, his decision left neighbors puzzled: “Did you do poorly on your exams? What will you do after graduation? Teach social studies?” He responded with a smile, “Teaching is also meaningful.”
The impact of the June Fourth Incident had already taken root in his heart, propelling him onto a less traveled path.
Upon graduating from university in 1999, while other classmates were busy applying for management trainee programs at large companies, he chose to submit his resume to the Democratic Party. It took him two attempts to secure a position as an assistant to a Democratic Party member.
During his first interview, he engaged in a one-hour discussion on political philosophy with a member of the intelligence team of a party leader, thinking victory was assured, only to receive no response. Faced with disappointment, he did not give up and submitted his resume again upon seeing another job posting. Three days later, the person in charge called to express admiration for his sincerity, explaining that they had hired a more experienced candidate the last time, but now there was a vacancy.
With a monthly salary of 9,000 Hong Kong dollars, no double pay, no benefits, 30% lower than his classmates, he still loved this job: “In the Democratic Party, you shouldn’t expect to make big money. If you expect to make big money, I’m sorry, you’re in the wrong field.” He believed that directly helping the public, experiencing all walks of life, was enough to make him unwavering. “At that time, I had a political philosophy supporting myself. I don’t like comparing with others. Of course, some classmates have developed well, everyone’s life path is different.”
In 2001, Lam Cheuk-ting moved to work in the Democratic Party Legislative Council Secretariat and later served as an assistant to the chairman, helping with the affairs of figures like Yeung Sum, Lee Wing-tat, and James To. In 2007, due to internal party issues, he chose to resign. A few months later, he successfully joined the Independent Commission Against Corruption as an investigator, enjoying a high-paying and stable life. His family was pleased with his decision, and he even considered working there until retirement.
However, in 2010, when Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and the empty chair symbolizing him at the award ceremony touched him, he began to question himself: “Looking at that empty chair, I asked myself, should I continue living such a comfortable life? Compared to mainland human rights and dissidents, we are extremely fortunate.”
He started to think that Hong Kong’s biggest issue was not corruption but the flaws in the political system and societal division. In 2011, invited by James To, he disregarded the opposition of family and friends, resigned from his position at the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and returned to the Democratic Party as secretary-general. In 2020, Lam Cheuk-ting was elected as the vice-chairman of the Democratic Party.
In 2015, Lam Cheuk-ting was elected as a district councilor in Upper Shui Wo Market, and in 2016, he succeeded Lau Wai-king, winning the election as a legislative council member for New Territories East. He actively opposed issues like the co-location arrangement for the high-speed rail and amending the council’s rules of procedure, being at the forefront of the protests.
He initiated the “Hong Kong Owners Anti-Corruption and Anti-Collusion Big Alliance”, investigating collusion scandals and promoting the “For the Public Good” crowdfunding campaign to uncover the case of Leung Chun-ying receiving 50 million Hong Kong dollars from UGL: “Our action this time is not just in Hong Kong. I emphasize that whether in the UK, Australia, or anywhere in the world, if we need information to help us investigate this UGL Leung Chun-ying case, we will go. We are seeking justice.”
His perseverance and integrity are admirable. However, in 2019, the anti-extradition movement erupted, rewriting his life forever.
On July 21, 2019, men in white shirts attacked citizens with sticks, and Lam Cheuk-ting, as a councilor, rushed to Yuen Long Station upon receiving a report, livestreaming the scene and trying to help stop the violence. He was instead surrounded and beaten, requiring 18 stitches on his lips, fracturing his arm, blood covering his face. When questioned in court why he did not leave the scene, he replied, “How could I just walk away from them in times of peril?”
Unexpectedly, after being assaulted, he later became a defendant, arrested by the Hong Kong police 13 months after the incident and charged with rioting and inciting violence. Holding onto his beliefs, he refused to confess, but after the trial, he was deemed guilty and sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment in 2025. Such an outcome was unforeseen.
In 2020, he participated in the pro-democracy camp’s primary elections, only to be arrested in 2021 and charged with “conspiracy to subvert state power”. He also refused to admit guilt and was ultimately sentenced to 6 years and 9 months in prison in 2024. Coupled with the sentence from the July 21 incident, his total time in imprisonment may exceed 10 years.
Faced with these challenges, he never backed down: “At that time, I had a political philosophy supporting myself. I don’t like comparing with others… Of course, some classmates have developed well, everyone’s life path is different.”
In January 2025, after nearly four years of serving time in Stanley Prison, Lam Cheuk-ting wrote a letter saying: “Over these years, I have experienced countless arrests, prosecutions, trials, and sentencing. What I once thought of as ‘right’ has now become ‘wrong’, even ‘sin’, leading to my continuous imprisonment. I have no complaints, no regrets. It’s just something that causes pain to the parents who raised and educated me, something that makes me feel guilty.”
He mentioned that he “does not understand being self-righteous”, feeling a sense of responsibility. Even with an indefinite loss of freedom, he has no regrets. He quoted a line from a poem by Su Shi: “In life, everywhere is hard to fathom. It should be like a wild goose stepping on the snow. Occasionally leaving a claw on the mud, the wild goose doesn’t bother considering what it leaves behind while flying off.” expressing his insight into life’s unpredictability.
From his enlightenment during the June Fourth Incident to relinquishing a prestigious position at the Independent Commission Against Corruption, from parliamentary struggles to taking to the streets during the anti-extradition movement, Lam Cheuk-ting’s life has been marked by twists and turns. From being beaten in Yuen Long to becoming a defendant, from the primary election case to a prison sentence, his stance of “No guilt” and “No regrets” exemplifies the spirit of the people of Hong Kong.
He said: “I chose a narrow path.”
This narrow path may not always be smooth, but his conviction has left a lasting imprint in the memories of the people of Hong Kong.
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From fishing villages to metropolises, Hong Kong harbors outstanding talents. Some say Hong Kong is a paradise for adventurers, a harbor for wisdom and diligence. The civilization, courage, and backbone of Hong Kong people have demonstrated great tolerance and love in critical moments. “Hong Kong people” now represent a spirit that continues to shine brightly no matter where in the world. There are also remarkable individuals connected to Hong Kong, adding color to its culture and spirit. Stay tuned for the brand-new program “Legendary Drift”, which delves into the lives of present-day figures—both prominent and ordinary—and shares their legendary stories.
For the full content of this edition of “Legendary Drift”, please watch online.
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Please note that parts of this news article have been enriched with additional details and rewritten for a more extensive coverage of Lam Cheuk-ting’s journey and the broader context of his involvement in politics.