Chen Jianlin
Chan Kang Lam GBS JP (born 22 January 1949) is a Hong Kong politician. He served as a Legislative Council member, representing first the Election Committee functional constituency (1995–1997, 1998–2000) and then Kowloon East (2000–2016). He is a central and standing committee member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and a former Kwun Tong District Council member.
Political career
Chan grew up in public housing estates in Wong Tai Sin and Ngau Tau Kok. He graduated from Salvation Army Bright School[1] and Chung Chi Anglo-Chinese College before attending Hong Kong Technical College. He worked as a seafarer and later entered politics, winning election to the Kwun Tong District Board in 1988. In 1995 he was elected to the Legislative Council via the Election Committee constituency and served in the Provisional Legislative Council from 1996 to 1998. In 1998 he was re‑elected via the Election Committee. From 2000 to 2016 he represented Kowloon East, winning four consecutive direct elections. He held key LegCo roles including chairing the Housing Panel and Finance Committee.
Controversies
“Misled” remark, 2003
During the 1 July 2003 protest, Chan blamed participants for being “misled,” drawing public criticism and the nickname “Misleading Lam.”
Illegal structures and land misuse, 2011
In 2011 Chan was found to have unauthorized additions to his rural house and had a container illegally sited on government land despite official removal notices. He defended the structures as commonplace.
Event funding conflict, 2014
An audit revealed that the Dragon Lion Festival, which Chan chaired, involved related organizations without declaring conflicts. Chan maintained the performance lists were submitted but did not disclose relationships.
Absence in 2015–16 political reform vote
Chan vocally supported a reform proposal but then left the chamber with other pro‑establishment members, allowing the motion to be defeated in his absence.
Public service
- Member, Housing Authority
- Member, Urban Renewal Authority Board
- Director, Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation
- Non‑executive Director, Securities and Futures Commission
- Member, Economic and Employment Council
- Council Member, Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Chairman, Legislative Council Housing Panel
- Vice Chairman, Legislative Council Finance Committee
- Chairman, Provisional LegCo Manpower Panel
- Member, Kwun Tong District Council
- President, Kwun Tong District Association
Personal life
Chan is married to Tsang Wai‑ming, a New Territories indigenous villager. They have three children, including a son who served on the Kwun Tong District Council and a daughter active in local affairs.
References
External links
- Chan Kang Lam Blog
- Profile on Legislative Council website