The Hong Kong Journalists Association will hold a general meeting for its members at the end of June to elect a new executive committee. Chairman Chan Long-sing announced on the 14th that he will not seek re-election. On the 15th, Chan revealed on a radio program that he received a message representing the “authoritative view.” He agreed with the host’s statement that the message he received suggested that “without Chan Long-sing as the chairman of the Journalists Association, it still seems capable of surviving.”
Originally considering running for re-election, when asked when he decided not to seek re-election, he did not give a direct response. He only mentioned that after discussing with others, he was advised to analyze whether his re-election would be the best for the association. As for who the others were, he said he couldn’t reveal that information but added that if their identities were made public, everyone would think, “Oh! If these are the people making the decision, then there is no way for you to continue with your decision,” and he believed they represented the “authoritative view.” When asked whether he met with others or others met with him, Chan replied, “I feel that fundamentally there is no difference.”
Regarding why he believes leaving is better for the association, he mentioned that recent media reports using pseudonymous articles questioned whether he had “issues” and whether he could lead the association in the upcoming term. While the Association could still organize events like spring tea in the past, recently holding events has become “impossible,” causing difficulties for the association.
Chan stated that in the past three years, after personnel changes in certain organizations, things have been going well. He considered the change in personnel as “one way.” However, finding someone to take up the position of chairman has been difficult at the moment, and he almost feels that it is impossible to find someone willing to do so. He pointed out that the position itself carries great risks, “Being the chairman of the Journalists Association is risky, but the person occupying the position must bear risks that they did not initially expect; it requires a great deal of commitment.”
As for whether there will be no one to succeed him, Chan responded, “Friends who understand the situation and are committed can step forward.” He revealed that there are currently individuals running for executive positions, but there may not necessarily be a chairman candidate among them. Therefore, they are considering extending the nomination period, but a general meeting for members must be held before July 1. The position of vice chairman has been vacant since he assumed the role of chairman, and no one has filled it, leading to recent amendments to the association’s regulations.
What would happen if no one takes up the chairman position? Chan suggested that they may have to form an interim committee and hold by-elections until a chairman is elected. However, as this is not officially under the executive committee’s jurisdiction, it might not operate smoothly. He acknowledged that if such a situation arises, the Journalists Association would be “in name only,” but he believes it is still a long way from dissolution.