Veteran Democratic Party lawmaker Michael Ho Mun-ka will not stand in September's Legco election, dealing another blow to the party. Mr Ho, who has represented the health services functional constituency since 1991, said he was standing down for family reasons.
'For many years, I have spent much time on my public office. It is my hope to devote more time to my wife, daughter and other family members,' he said.
His decision means the party is set to lose an otherwise secure seat in the legislature. Mr Ho, a registered nurse at Castle Peak Hospital, denied it was a major blow to the party, but said: 'It's definitely not a happy matter for the Democratic Party.' The party has been suffering in recent months, with a poor showing in the district council elections, an internal rift over the party's direction and the resignation of former legislator Tsang Kin-shing.
Mr Ho said he would continue to contribute to the party and to other public activities. He said the happiest person as a result of his decision would be his wife, Vera. The couple, married for almost 15 years, have a four-year-old daughter, Veronica.
'I will return to the nursing field as a full-time registered nurse [after his term ends] although my wife has promised to support me,' he said.
Mr Ho dismissed suggestions his career was the most important consideration in his decision, saying he would be doing the same job - a registered nurse of basic rank. Sources close to Mr Ho said his family believed it was not a good idea for him to sacrifice his career. He admitted returning to his full-time job would give him hope for a better career prospect 'when the time comes'. Due to his heavy workload in the lawmaking body, the veteran lawmaker is on unpaid leave from the Hospital Authority.
