Heung Yee Kuk

Did the Heung Yee Kuk always hold such sway? The Heung Yee Kuk building stands before us, a testament to its influence. This seemingly ordinary building is the heart of an organization that represents the indigenous inhabitants of the New Territories. Established in 1959 by the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance, the Heung Yee Kuk, often called just “the Kuk,” has a rich and sometimes controversial history. The Kuk has been involved in various activities, from charitable works like donating to the Heung Yee Kuk Yuen Long District Secondary School in 1966, to holding a functional constituency in the Hong Kong Legislative Council. However, the Kuk’s influence extends beyond philanthropy and politics. The Kuk has been at the center of debates surrounding land development in the New Territories. One such instance involved a proposal to use abandoned farmland for dumping spoil from infrastructure projects. This proposal drew criticism, with some accusing the Kuk of using it as a pretext for future development. The Kuk argued that the dumped material would be simply mud and soil, not construction waste. Opponents, however, countered that the excavated soil wouldn’t support plant life and feared that the dumping could lead to contamination of water and soil, impacting nearby farms. The Heung Yee Kuk’s involvement in land issues has led some to criticize its power and influence, even likening it to a “mafia-like organization.” The Kuk’s “Small House Policy,” granting indigenous male villagers land to build houses, has been a source of contention. This policy, intended to improve housing quality, is now seen by some as an obstacle to development and an example of outdated sexism. While its history is complex and its practices sometimes debated, the Heung Yee Kuk undeniably plays a significant role in the New Territories. The building before us stands as a symbol of its enduring presence and its influence on the region’s development.