Event Summary
On 14 August 2025, former Tsuen Wan District Councillor Chan Kim-kam, a pro-democracy actor was denied lease renewal for her stationery shop “Heung Together” at West Kowloon Centre, forcing its closure by 30 September after four years of operation. Mall management also rejected her request to relocate within the premises, citing unspecified “upper level” decisions after confirming her identity. Chan believes the decision was politically motivated, linked to her sale of commemorative candles bearing the message “Memory Never Dies, Conscience Never Ends” during the June 4th anniversary. Since June, her shop faced increased inspections and surveillance, with mall staff reportedly carrying police-issued documents. Chan, previously arrested under Article 23 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in May 2024 and later released on bail, criticized the mall’s actions as a form of censorship targeting politically sensitive individuals. She questioned the existence of economic freedom when small businesses are excluded for political reasons. Chan now plans to relocate to Sham Shui Po, a diverse and community-oriented district. This incident highlights growing constraints on civil society in Hong Kong, particularly regarding freedom of expression and association, and signals a shrinking enabling environment for politically active individuals and organizations.
Chan Kim-kam has faced systematic exclusion from various sectors since her arrest under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. In May 2025, she was removed from both a theatre production and part-time teaching position on the same day, with authorities citing her political background. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department threatened to revoke venue bookings unless she was removed from theatrical performances, while an academic institution terminated her position after receiving an anonymous complaint. Her stationery shop “Heung Together” represented one of her remaining sources of income and connection to public life.
The use of commercial and regulatory pressure to silence dissent undermines both economic freedom and civic space. It sends a chilling message to other civil society actors and small business owners that political expression may result in livelihood loss.