Source:
https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021056/hong-kong-no-2-official-matthew-cheung-seeking-treatment
Hong Kong/ Politics

Hong Kong No 2 official Matthew Cheung seeking treatment for ‘tiny cyst’ in nose and still fit for work, office says

  • Growth thought to be benign and removable with minor surgery
  • Office’s statement says ‘situation does not affect the secretary in performing his duties’
Hong Kong Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong’s No 2 official Matthew Cheung Kin-chung is seeking medical treatment for a “tiny cyst”in his nose, his office has confirmed, after a local newspaper reported that he was seen visiting a hospital.

In a reply to a media inquiry, the Chief Secretary’s Office said Cheung was still fit for work.

The office said his doctors had found a “tiny cyst” in Cheung’s nose during a regular check-up.

“[The doctors] considered it a mild condition but recommended a short course of treatment as early as possible to prevent deterioration,” the statement said. “The situation does not affect the secretary in performing his duties and he will go to work as usual.”

Chinese-language newspaper Apple Daily published a report on Thursday night, with a video showing a man clad in black, wearing a cap and mask, entering Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam on July 25.

Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam. Photo: Winson Wong
Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam. Photo: Winson Wong

The report said the man entered the hospital’s radiotherapy department.

Cheung’s office later confirmed with the newspaper that he was seeking treatment.

Commenting on the official reply, Dr Cheung Foon-yiu, a clinical oncology specialist, said he believed Matthew Cheung’s cyst should be benign, which would only require minor surgery to remove.

“If it is not benign, radiotherapy treatment will take at least six weeks, but there is no way he can continue his work, and his neck and face will blacken,” the doctor said.

He added that he was unsure if the chief secretary was seeking radiotherapy treatment, because it was possible he was just travelling to another department in the next block.

Amid the recent unrest over the extradition bill, the city’s deputy leader apologised for how police handled an incident of mob violence in Yuen Long on July 21. This sparked outrage within the force, with officers’ groups accusing the government of writing off their efforts and one even “condemning” Cheung, asking him to consider stepping down.

Cheung, 68, is known for his self-proclaimed passion for work. In past interviews, he has said he does not like taking leave. He is also among top officials active in property investment.