The Liberal Party is going through its second major split in as many years after senior member Michael Tien Puk-sun quit because of differences over issues of principle.
The split shows the weakness of the party, which is torn between a wish to woo broader popular support and a struggle to retain the backing of the business sector whose views it is meant to represent.
At a press conference with Liberals chairwoman Miriam Lau Kin-yee after days of speculation over a party power struggle, Tien said he had decided to leave, but stressed that he harboured no ill feelings.
'I was of the belief that the Liberal Party needed to walk on two legs: while representing the business sector, it will listen to the voice of the people,' Tien said. 'The Liberal Party can indeed tilt in favour of the business sector, but in doing so it must ultimately be guided by the overall interests of the community.'
He said his key difference with the party was how to interpret this principle, and how leaders applied it while taking a stance on public affairs.
Citing incidents which led to clashes between him and the party, Tien said he considered quitting six months ago but stayed after leaders tried to reconcile their conflicts.
But his recent backing of a campaign to boycott Cafe de Coral over its plans to offer workers a pay rise if they gave up their right to a paid lunch break shocked party ranks. The decision was later reversed because of public outrage.
