Behind him, on the wall, was a larger-than-life-size poster of himself. It was a predictable photo, a photo of a unionist at work: Shirtsleeves. Open collar. A working man. A forthright man. A man of the people.
He chose to be a labour unionist rather than a prosperous engineer. He is the new Legislative Councillor, Mr. Lee Cheuk Yan.
Mr. Lee was graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1978. Though majoring in civil engineering, he chose to be a social worker instead.
The 37-year-old unionist explained his choice: "It was a social norm that young men either chose engineering or pure science at universities in the '70s.
"Besides, social science was not very popular at that time.
"I am not saying that I didn't like engineering. Yet, having come to know more about our society through the university, I believed that I was more interested in the social work field instead," added Mr. Lee.
After graduation, the enthusiastic young man volunteered for the Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee before working in Kwun Tong Rehabilitation Centre. He worked in the centre for two years and then returned to the Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee for 10 years. He was then appointed chief executive of the Confederation of Trade Unions.
He said his decision to be a social worker was not a "rational" choice. Rather, he was inspired to be one after coming into contact with the needy.
"Not every decision is rational and explanatory. I became a social worker because I was touched by the conditions of the poor. Similarly, some people cry while watching tragedies. It is not a rational decision, nor a logical sequence.
"I think most decisions made in the world are illogical and irrational," he said.
Mr. Lee said the poor living conditions of local Hong Kong boat-people in the '70s were the most inspiring sights to him.
"It's hard to imagine how people could live in such intolerable conditions. The children were tied (to the boats) by ropes like dogs so that they would not fall into the water. Their physical and psychological development were hindered, and so their whole lives were affected drastically."
Meeting a goal is not easy, especially when the goal is not a personal one, but one for society. According to Mr. Lee, religion might help.
"I became a Christian in 1977 when I was studying in the university. Religion has had great impact on me as it gives me determination to attain my goal.
"The Bible delivers an important message: If you believe that God appreciates your goal, you should stand firm even if the future seems confusing.
"Another encouraging message is that God values a just and caring society," said Mr. Lee.
Meeting such goals may result in a sacrifice of family life, said the father of a 4-year-old girl.
"My daughter always complains that I spend too little time with her," Mr. Lee sighed. He said his wife and daughter still support what he has done in these past few years.
Not only is he supported by his family, but also by the general public. This was evidenced by the 500 well- wishers at the airport after his detention in China in 1989.
During the peak of the June 4 crackdown in 1989, Mr. Lee represented the Hong Kong in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movement of China to carry money to the Chinese students. He was detained by the Chinese government until he wrote a letter of repentance.
Mr. Lee admitted regret about having written the letter.
Said he: "Some people said that if I had confronted the Chinese government directly, I could have pushed it to a difficult and embarrassing situation. This might have been a better result.
"The 500 well-wishers at the airport meant nothing to me. I was sure that I wouldn't be puffed," Mr. Lee said with a smug smile.
The confident unionist denied being the shadow of another prominent unionist, Mr. Lau Chin Shek. Mr. Lau resigned from the Legislative Council in January in protest of the Government's withdrawal of a bill. A proposed Employment Bill, tabled in December, was withdrawn after Mr. Lau successfully led a fight to amend it so as to raise the amount for pension payments.
Said Mr. Lee: "Ah-Shek (Mr. Lau) and I are similar in some respects. For example, we have the same sense of duty and commitment to the society.
"Actually, I don't treat him as a role model. However, I am always astonished by his strong willpower. He is really my good 'brother' and ally," added Mr. Lee.
As a street-fighter who leads increasingly frequent demonstrations, Mr. Lee prefers handing out pamphlets in public and sweating on the street to sitting in the splendid and sumptuous Legco chamber.
"I don't like Legco meetings very much," he conceded, "even though I am now a Legislative Councillor."
Mr. Lee was elected uncontested to fill the seat vacated by Lau Chin Shek in February. He will be in office at least until the September direct election.
"Working in Legco is not a matter of personal will," he said. "Even if I didn't fill Ah-Shek's vacancy now, the Confederation of Trade Unions would forward my candidacy to contest the newly created nine functional constituency seats in September.
"As a large trade union, we (the Confederation of Trade Unions) have to gain some seats in Legco.
"Also, working in Legco has made me aware of problems other than labour problems, such as housing problems and fiscal policies. I can now criticize and participate in government policies in more diversified areas," added Mr. Lee.
Although the current executive-led government is always said to maintain the interest of business sector, the street-fighter has lost none of his enthusiasm for the Legislative Council.
He said, "As a unionist for more than 10 years, I am strong at pinpointing labour problems. Therefore, I can raise more questions to government officials in these regards."
One of his concerns is the payment given to women during their maternity leave, currently two-thirds of the base salary.
"I am going to sponsor two private bills that propose full payments to pregnant women on maternity leave and a long service fund for employees who have been working for more than 10 years (in the same company)."
Despite his full confidence, he admitted, "It is quite difficult to gain a majority votes because of the different party affiliations of the members."
Mr. Lee denied gaining political advantage by rebuking the Governor before the oath-taking ceremony.
"People are jealous of me. Actually, I need not use these puerile methods. My street credibility has been accumulated day by day by helping people," he said.
Regarding the future, the confident unionist seemed to be a bit perplexed.
Said he: "I am worried about 1997. Yet, my family and I won't emigrate to another country. I believe that your spirit vanishes when you emigrate.
"I don't think I will retire someday. I am a born labourer."
Mr. Lee said that he has been very disappointed with Hong Kong tertiary students in the '90s.
Said he: "Student movements are regarded as forerunners of social movements in most societies. Yet, I don't see many local young leaders in this regard now.
"Students are very lucky because they can learn in school. I always dream to go back to school to study, although it is quite impossible," the unionist said.