Hong Kong minister Erick Tsang resigns, reveals prostate cancer fears

Erick Tsang Kwok-wai has resigned as Hong Kong’s constitutional and mainland affairs chief, saying that he has elevated prostate cancer markers in his blood and cannot cope with the heavy workload.

State news agency Xinhua first reported the State Council’s decision to remove Tsang from his post on Tuesday morning, ending days of speculation over the 62-year-old’s departure from the cabinet.

Meeting the press later with Tsang, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he had decided to recommend the personnel change to Beijing after a thorough discussion with the outgoing minister, who had earlier tendered his resignation for health reasons.

But Lee also dismissed “inaccurate” rumours of a further cabinet reshuffle before his term ends in June next year, stressing that all principal officials had fulfilled their duties and shared his philosophy.

He added that he would not comment further on changes in his team until the investigation into the Tai Po fire was completed.

Lee said Tsang had served the government for nearly four decades and thanked him for his contributions to coordinating multiple elections in recent years and advancing the city’s integration into the Greater Bay Area.

“Political officials’ jobs are very demanding; not only is the workload heavy, but the pressure is also high. I can understand that Erick, given his current health condition, would like to take a rest,” Lee said.