Anson Chan ill

The smile of Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang has been replaced by a grimace - not from revisions to the Public Order Ordinance or the cholera outbreak, but because of pain in her waist.

Mrs Chan, 57, dubbed Hong Kong's Iron Lady, has been on sick leave since Tuesday. It is uncertain whether she will be fit enough for work today.

Mrs Chan's chauffeur was called to run her home to Victoria House in Barker Road after Tuesday's Executive Council meeting. She has had no public functions since and her meetings with other officials have been re-scheduled because of the problem.

A government spokesman said: 'Mrs Chan has consulted a doctor and is resting at home.'