From reviled to beloved: Regina Ip’s 50 years in public service

Key Concepts

• Regina Ip's political career (50 years)
• Retirement from the legislature
• Article 23 legislation
• Reinvention and rebranding through elections and social media
• Relationship with Hong Kongers and pro-China stance
• Social media engagement and its impact
• Challenges of the Chief Executive role
• Campaigning strategies and communication
• Youth support and engagement

Regina Ip's Political Journey and Retirement

Regina Ip, a prominent and ambitious politician in Hong Kong, is concluding her 50-year career in public service, with her tenure as a legislator nearing its end. Despite two unsuccessful attempts to become Hong Kong's leader, she reflects on her journey, which has seen her evolve from an unpopular minister to a "queen of votes" and earn affectionate nicknames like "iron lady," "broom head," and "big sister." Her decision to step down from the legislature was a well-considered one, driven by a desire to allow younger party members to advance and to avoid an "invidious position" as many of her colleagues aged 70 and above also announced their retirement.

Decision to Retire

Ip toyed with the idea of serving another term but felt that 79 would be her limit, wanting to avoid dying in office or retiring at an advanced age like some international figures. A significant factor in her decision was a "panic attack" experienced due to worries about her party, the New People's Party, losing seats if key figures like TK Lai and Eunice Yong did not run. She felt that by running again, she would hinder the readiness of younger members. The decision was solidified after observing other lawmakers stepping down, which made her feel she would be in an "invidious position" if she stayed on. This was not due to external pressure but rather "soul searching."

The Panic Attack and Party Lineup

The panic attack morning was characterized by sleeplessness and deep concern for the future of the New People's Party. Ip declined to make any announcements until the party finalized its lineup, which involved extensive internal discussions about candidates, constituencies, and the renunciation of British citizenship for some members. The announcement of the finalized lineup was made on August 25th.

Transformation Through Elections and Public Engagement

Ip's political career has been marked by significant reinvention, particularly through her electoral campaigns. She has participated in five elections, including a notable one in 2007 against Alan Leong. She describes campaigning as hard work but enjoyable, a process that "changed me completely."

Greatest Regret and Achievement

Ip does not pinpoint a single greatest achievement but is pleased with her ability to "reinvent myself." Her greatest regret is her "inability to steer the Article 23 legislation to a successful close." She admits to lacking experience in working with people during that period, making "all the wrong sound bites" and having poor communication skills, which allowed her words to be twisted against her.

The Electoral Rebranding

The electoral process, rather than a single election, has been instrumental in her rebranding. Interacting with people during campaigns has taught her empathy and the importance of listening to diverse voices on issues like labor import, retail sector concerns, and ordinary people's views. This engagement has helped her "learn to be more empathetic" and "listen to the people and be their voice."

Evolution of Public Standing

Ip notes a "complete sea change" in her standing with the public. While acknowledging that differing opinions are inevitable, she contrasts the current situation with the past, where she faced "f-bombs" during interactions. She emphasizes the importance of hearing different voices and views the current environment as significantly improved.

Direct Elections and Legislative Reforms

Following the 2021 reforms, only 20 legislative seats are directly elected by the general public. Ip notes the historical context, with direct elections starting in 1991 with 18 seats. The current system has 20 geographical constituencies, with more candidates per constituency than in 2021, indicating a growing number of individuals undergoing the "rough and tumble training" of universal suffrage-based elections and learning to connect with the public.

Chief Executive Aspirations and "Blessing in Disguise"

Ip's failed attempts to secure nominations for the Chief Executive role are not viewed as a major regret. She sees these failures as a "blessing in disguise" because the job is "so tough." Her first attempt was a trial, while the second in early 2017 was serious, but she knew she could fall back on her legislative work. She believes she gained public recognition and sympathy from these attempts, enhancing her "name recognition" and "brand," and providing an opportunity to "stage her views before a very large audience." She explicitly states she would not consider the Chief Executive role again due to its demanding nature, especially in the current geopolitical climate.

Lessons from Article 23 and Campaigning Strategies

Ip shares key lessons learned from the failed Article 23 legislation campaign, which she attributes to the opposition's more effective "PR campaign" or "smear campaign," similar to what occurred with the fugitive offenders bill in 2019. The opposition successfully used "buzz words" to instill fear.

The "Sword" and "Devil" Narratives

She recounts how the opposition distorted terms, such as portraying national security legislation as a "democ sword" and later a "sword above the head of Hong Kong people." Her own statement about "the devil is in the detail" was twisted to suggest all details were "diabolic." Her plea for young people to "trust me" was met with a realization that she lacked sufficient credibility.

Campaigning Mistakes and Government Learning

Ip acknowledges spending too much time in public rallies, which played into the opposition's hands. She believes the government learned from her mistakes when relaunching Article 23 by shortening the consultation period to minimize the risk of opposition exploitation. Her advice to politicians includes sticking to the script, avoiding sound bites that can be twisted, and maintaining "tight control of information" to minimize controversy.

Balancing Security and Criticism

While acknowledging that this approach might spark criticism of repeating government lines, Ip argues that national security legislation is inherently controversial. She draws a parallel to the UK's toughening of its public order act, which also faced opposition. The government must make a "balanced judgment" on what is more important, and for the second Article 23 attempt, "you cannot afford to fail," making it a "must succeed project."

Reinvention Through Social Media

Ip never dreamed of becoming a politician, initially aspiring to be an academic. Her career path involved "groping the stones as I move along." She is particularly pleased with her ability to reinvent herself, especially through social media.

Social Media Origins and Engagement

Her social media presence began in 2018, inspired by mainland friends sending stickers. She decided to create real-life photos of herself, which received a good reception. This evolved into a seven-year effort to build a base, requiring engagement with commenters, including those who "poke fun." She emphasizes the need for a "thick skin" and enjoys interacting with young people, seeing it as a way to show she is "listening" and "on the same page."

Social Media Success and Content

Her social media accounts have garnered 50,000 followers, a significant number for a politician. Her videos, such as those selling "two dish meals" or doing dim sum, have achieved high viewership, with one video reaching almost two million views. She borrowed costumes from a restaurant for these creative endeavors.

Affectionate Nicknames and Youth Support

Ip notes that young people affectionately call her "JJ" rather than "Po." She attributes this to her willingness to engage and be playful. A fan-initiated birthday party, which surprised her and caused some alarm to the police, demonstrated the extent of this support. She finds it "heartwarming" that young people, including 15 and 16-year-olds and college students, support a "clearly pro-China" political figure. She views this ability to communicate with young people as a source of "considerable satisfaction" that she will look back on.

Conclusion

Regina Ip's 50-year political career is a testament to her ambition, resilience, and capacity for reinvention. From facing public criticism to becoming a beloved figure among younger generations, her journey highlights the evolving nature of political engagement. Her reflections on Article 23, electoral strategies, and the power of social media offer valuable insights into navigating the complexities of public service and public perception in Hong Kong. Her decision to retire from the legislature marks the end of an era, but her impact and the lessons learned from her career will likely continue to resonate.