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The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) (, or 民建聯 in short), formerly known as ''The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong'' (民主建港聯盟) is the largest pro- Beijing political party in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic Of China . Founded in 10 July 1992 , the party has been headed by Ma Lik since December 2003 until his death in August 2007 . A merger with the Hong Kong Progressive Alliance was announced on 16 February 2005 . The two parties were merged with new leadership selected on 31 May 2005 . PARTY BELIEFS The DAB is a conservative and pro-government party. The DAB chairman Malik in July 2005) The Speech by Chairman Malik at the 13th Anniversary Reception , Malik, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, July 12, 2005 listed the party's five objectives: #furthering co-operation between Hong Kong and the mainland, promoting mutual trust, and creating win-win opportunities economically. #"constructive monitor" of the SAR government, scrutinising various government policies and decisions, providing "constructive policy alternatives" whilst securing the progress, prosperity, social stability and harmony for Hong Kong. #to break down social barriers based on the common interest of Hong Kong; to strengthen communications with Hong Kong residents to better reflect their opinion; to be more accountable to the public. #to nurture political talent by committing the necessary funding, organising training, providing opportunities for those who want to take part in politics. #to develop the DAB, through membership drive ELECTIONS The party started with a single seat on the Legislative Council (LegCo). The 1995 LegCo elections increased the DAB's share to six seats. After 1997 when Hong Kong was Transferred to the People's Republic of China (PRC), DAB enjoyed political favour from the PRC, and gained a number of seats in Legco through Functional Constituency election which was deemed unfair, and they remain unfavour in local district direct election. In 2000 it had ten councillors in Legco. The most recent Legislative Council election in 2004, it become the largest (by number) political party to be represented with 12 seats, with the Liberal Party coming second (10 seats), and the Democratic Party coming third (9 seats). Twelve district councillors joined the party on its formation, a share that increased to 37 seats in the 1994 elections and 83 in 1999. In the wake of the controversies over the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law in 2003, the party's popularity dropped drastically and the November 2003 District Councils elections saw its seats drop to 62. The election results have led to the resignation of its former Chairman, Jasper Tsang Yok-singCannix Yau, "DAB chief resigns over 'worst setback'" , The Standard , November 25, 2003. However, as Ma Lik is undergoing treatment for colon cancer, Tsang still effectively controls the DAB. The DAB and its sister organisation HKFTU are well-known for their ability to mobilize their supporters, including employees of PRC state-owned companies, to vote for their candidates in elections. In the 2004 Legislative Council Election , they managed to exploit the proportional representation electoral system to equalise votes for two of the candidates the party endorsed standing in the same constituency. Although support of Chan Yuen Han (DAB) was far higher than Chan Kam Lam (HKFTU), according to earlier polls, the two organisations managed to have both elected. At another constituency, the ticket of Ma Lik and Choy So Yuk ultimately benefitted from a democratic camp mix-up that led to the resignation of the Democratic Party's leader, Yeung Sum . CONTROVERSIES Some opinion polls allege that the party is less popular among the younger generation, citizens with higher education levels, and those who are dissatisfied with the current government system. The DAB has been accused of providing benefits to certain people, including seafood meals and local trips to Outlying Islands at prices significantly lower than market rates. Other allegations include free transport and meals to mobilise people to rally for its cause. However, none of these practices are strictly illegal. "not a massacre" On May 15, 2007, party leader Ma Lik provoked nearly universal condemnation when he said that "there Was Not A Massacre" during the Tiananmen Square Protests Of 1989 , as there was "no intentional and indiscriminate shooting". He said this showed Hong Kong was "not mature enough" for believing foreigners' rash claims that a massacre took place. He said that Hong Kong showed through its lack of patriotism and national identity, that it would thus "not be ready for democracy until 2022". Vice Chairman , May 16, 2007. However, Vice Chairman Lau Kong Wah, immediately offered to apologise, and distanced the party from Ma, saying that Ma had expressed "a personal opinion"「馬力認輕佻拒撤觀點,否認促為六四定調 願受黨處分」, Ming Pao , May 17, 2007 . The DAB Central committee declined any further action against ma following their meeting, and there was no official apology. In May, Sze Lun Hung Had Replace Grace Au To District Council East Kowloon Vacant Pursuant. FACTIONS As the biggest political party of Hong Kong, the 10-year-party can be divided into three main factions: 1. Unionists, i.e. members belonging or came from the Federation Of Trade Unions . 2. Indigenous residents in the New Territories 3. Fujianese LIST OF CHAIRMEN # Jasper Tsang Yok-sing ( July 10 , 1992 - December 9 , 2003 ) # Ma Lik ( December 9 , 2003 - August 8 , 2007 ) # Tam Yiu Chung ( August 8 , 2007 -) REFERENCES SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS |
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