New Party T-PARTY Opposes Minimum Wage and Universal Pension as Market Interference

Five former Liberal Party members, including district councillor Lam Chui-lin, have formed a new political party, “T-PARTY”. They oppose government handouts, the minimum wage and universal retirement protection as interference in the free market, and plan to elect leadership at a June general meeting and contest 27 seats in the year-end district council elections.

What does T-PARTY oppose?

Cash handouts, the minimum wage and universal pension. They argue these policies interfere with the free market and have written to the Executive Council against the minimum wage. Their harsh language about pro-handout lawmakers and welfare-motivated new immigrants has stirred controversy.

Why has universal pension become a party-political issue?

The retirement gap is large and society has debated it for years without consensus. Supporters argue the MPF-CSSA-Old Age Allowance three pillars cannot secure people’s retirement and that ageing makes universal protection ever more urgent; opponents fear heavier economic burdens and market distortion. With the government still undecided after years of wrangling, universal pension has become a fixture of every election.

To compare charges and returns across MPF funds, visit MPF fund comparison.