The Civic Party is No More in Hong Kong

Leong showing the media the vacated Civic Party office space

Just before the end of 2023, the Civic Party is no more in Hong Kong.

After six months of winding down, it has completely disbanded after its members voted to do so.

Its now former chairman Alan Leong Kah-kit can breathe a sigh of relief after legally shutting down the party and clearing out its office.

Kwok has a HK$1M bounty hanging over him

It was founded in 2006 by lawyers, academics, and other professionals who wanted Hong Kong to have full democracy, and at one point was the second-largest opposition party in the Legislative Council.

But Leong said recently, "Times have changed."

Since the national security law was implemented in July 2020, three members of the Civic Party were arrested and in jail, and one lawmaker [Dennis Kwok Wing-hang] has a bounty over his head, though he is now in the United States.

As a result the Civic Party decided to disband in May.

The only thing Leong decided to keep were the green-and-purple pins with the date "19.03.06", when the party was founded.

"What is left of the initial batch of lapel pins would be all that we have," he said.

Co-founder Claudia Mo Man-chung still in jail

Leong said Hong Kong's "political reality" as well as the lack of money and morale as the reason for shutting down the party.

"I have never doubted the ability of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong, but there are things that are beyond our control," he said.

"There are a few of our legislators who are still behind bars now. So that's reality. That also explains why we are winding ourselves up."

Indeed.

It's sad to see organisations fold and disappear, though Leong is keeping those lapel pins as proof the Civic Party did exist at one time.

"Should there come a time that professionals or the like can once again serve Hong Kong... I am sure another party will be born," he said.

A realist and optimist.