Hong Kong’s New People’s Party (NPP) will continue to field candidates in elections and broaden the party’s public support.

Party Chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee made the remarks on Saturday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as the NPP marked its 15th anniversary at a celebration with about 1,500 guests.

Ip — who is also the Executive Council convenor — said the party will remain committed to serving the public, supporting the special administrative region government in the administration of the city according to the law, and safeguarding Hong Kong’s stability and security while continuing to seek wider backing from residents through elections.

On the subject of governance, Ip said she often reminds lawmakers and aspiring politicians within the party to devote time to studying government documents and to learn how to effectively scrutinize bills and funding proposals.

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Founded in 2011 with a single Legislative Council member, the party now holds one nonofficial seat in the Executive Council, three seats in LegCo, and 26 District Council seats, reflecting its long-standing emphasis on community services.

“The party has garnered public support through a proactive, diligent and rational approach,” said Lai Tung-kwok, Hong Kong’s former secretary for security and the NPP’s executive vice-chairman.

Ip said the NPP will remain committed to supporting the SAR government and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Contact the writer at jessicachen@chinadailyhk.com