Scottish Councilor Continues Work in Hong Kong Where She Left Off

Alice Ishigami Lee Fung-king, once an elected councilor in Hong Kong, never imagined that her passion for picking up garbage would lead her back into politics. Just two years after seeking refuge and resettling in the UK, she was elected as a Scottish councilor.

Turning Garbage Duty Into a Different Life

Ms. Lee recalled her victory in a tense election in Hong Kong where she secured almost 4,000 votes, winning her district council seat by a margin of 439 votes over her key rival in 2019. She vividly remembers the final half-hour of vote counting, with encouraging slogans ringing in her ears. Prior to this, she was a member of the Power for Democracy party and previously served as a district councilor for the Yan Lam constituency in the Eastern District Council of Hong Kong.

Despite initial success, the implementation of the National Security Law later required elected public servants to pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong authority under the Chinese Communist Party, making it challenging for councilors with political dissent. In response, Ms. Lee made a life-changing decision.

She chose not to compromise and resigned, seeking refuge in Scotland, where she had previously studied during her college years. In 2021, she settled in Alloa, a Scottish town where Chinese individuals are a rarity but community life is peaceful.

Ms. Lee continued her practice of picking up garbage during walks, a habit she had adopted in Hong Kong.

“As a new immigrant here, I also want to contribute to this community,” she explained. “What can I do? Picking up garbage is a visible act; when the streets are clean, you feel good when walking by next time.

“When my husband saw me picking up trash, he joined in as well.”

The couple’s good deeds inspired local residents, leading Ms. Lee to form friendships and engage in Scottish traditions like dances, hiking, and sports. Little did she know that many of these friends held official roles in the community. Recognizing her dedication, they asked her to represent them as a councilor. They requested personal information and a statement, and she was ultimately elected in March.

Despite intending to step away from politics, destiny seemed to have a different plan, pushing her back into public service on the other side of the globe.

“Maybe they couldn’t find anyone else, or they trusted me, or perhaps I’m very outspoken, so they settled on me,” she remarked with a chuckle, attributing her approval by the locals to her earnest efforts in mastering English for communication.

When faced with language barriers, she diligently asked for clarification and spelling when needed.

“They may have seen me as someone conscientious, not just socializing, but also taking things seriously. … When one approaches things with diligence while assisting others, I believe this quality becomes a criterion for them in choosing candidates,” she added.

“It also requires perseverance. Based on my past experiences, I firmly believe that when you strive to do good, good things will naturally come your way.”

Following her councilor position acceptance, Ms. Lee delved into various local matters, including community trash bins, elderly assistance services, and the impact of drugs and e-cigarettes on healthcare.

“Councilors serve as a liaison between the community and government agencies. This involves understanding local concerns and relaying them to the government,” she explained.

Three months into her councilor role, local police unexpectedly approached Ms. Lee and invited her to join a police-community cooperation group to address local security issues.

“By actively engaging in various activities and being proactive, people take notice. If they value you, they will reach out for assistance, and I’m always prepared to help,” Ms. Lee stated.

A Sudden Loss

Starting anew in Scotland, Ms. Lee had envisioned spending her days with her husband, but tragically, he passed away unexpectedly in May 2023, leaving her devastated.

With tears welling up, she expressed, “It was so sudden. There were no signs of illness, but within two months, he was gone.”

Ms. Lee made a conscious decision to remain resilient, recognizing that mourning wouldn’t bring her husband back and that embracing life was the greatest tribute she could offer.

“I had to come to terms with it because life and death affect us all. Whoever goes first in a couple, the other must continue living,” she reflected.

“Even if you’re feeling down, life goes on. You can choose to be upset or angry—that’s your decision. I choose to be joyful.”

Encouraging Other Hongkongers

Emerging from her sorrow, Ms. Lee threw herself into community activities in the hope of enabling more Hongkongers to assimilate and engage in local community initiatives in Britain.

“Upon arriving here, I noticed that most Hongkongers are committed to respecting the system and not taking advantage of others’ efforts. The successes in Hong Kong prior to 2019 were a collective result of everyone’s perseverance. In being here, I hope we can contribute to this society and country,” she remarked.

“We are gradually becoming citizens of this land. Back in Hong Kong, we cherished our homeland, and we can bring that same dedication to the UK. While benefiting this community, we can also explore ways to support Hong Kong. Hong Kong remains our place of origin, so let’s uncover how we can continue aiding Hong Kong.”

Ms. Lee believes that she is leaving a greater impact as a district councilor in Scotland than when she held a similar position in Hong Kong.

Ms. Lee also encourages other young Hongkongers to engage in UK politics.

“Our education and legal systems in Hong Kong are rooted in the UK, making us familiar with them. Therefore, I hope we can apply our previous knowledge to help develop our new home,” she indicated.

“I am confident that we can also support Hong Kong from here. However, it will require time and more talent. I am not exceptionally skilled, so we need more individuals to join us. I am also getting on in years, so we need young people to step up!”