SECRETARY for Recreation and Culture James So Yiu-cho is to quit the Government amid controversy over the redevelopment of the Hong Kong Stadium and his handling of the outcry at noise levels.
The Government accepted Mr So's surprise application to retire in late September. He turned 55 last month.
It is likely to be some time before a successor can be named.
Mr So, who called the media to his Wan Chai office, cited a wish to spend more time with his family as the reason for his retirement after 33 years in the civil service.
He denied there was any connection with ombudsman Andrew So Kwok-wing's criticism last week of the Recreation and Culture Branch in connection with the stadium.
Known for his low-key profile and lacklustre media image, Mr James So is no stranger to controversy and criticism. His involvement in emotion-charged issued embraced the electronic road pricing proposal in 1984, culture and broadcasting policies and noise levels at the Hong Kong Stadium.