Erick Tsang resigns due to health issues

Erick Tsang, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs has resigned due to health issues. The State Council made the announcement that, upon the recommendation of Chief Executive John Lee, Tsang has been removed from his post.

Speaking jointly to the media before the Executive Council meeting, Chief Executive John Lee said Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang has expressed his wish to resign over health reasons.

"The application by Erick Tsang to resign from his job because of personal health reasons is fully appreciated. Principal Officials' jobs are very demanding, not just the workload is heavy, but the pressure is also heavy, so I can understand why Erick, under the present health condition, would like to take a rest so as to take care of his health problems."

The CE said he is thankful for Tsang's contributions over the years and wish him the very best of health and luck. Erick Tsang expressed his gratitude for the trust and support of the Central Government and the Chief Executive, and that he would continue to contribute in different roles in the future.

Tsang said his health deteriorated due to the intense work, with his Prostate-Specific Antigen Index value consistently exceeded 11, which suggests he has a higher risk of prostate cancer. He decided to submit his resignation after completing the tasks related to the Legislative Council election last month.

The Chief Executive said he will look for an appropriate replacement, and in the meantime, the bureau's Under Secretary Clement Woo will work as the Acting Secretary.

Lee also clarified there are currently no plans of further changes within his cabinet. "There will be no further change of Principal Officials, particularly now we have so many things to do, and they are all doing as I required them to, sharing my governance philosophy. Had Erick's health condition been manageable, I really would have liked him to continue."

The 62-year-old Tsang joined the Immigration Department as an assistant immigration officer in 1987, after graduating from the Chinese University's School of Journalism and Communication.

He became the Assistant Immigration Director in 2014, and further rising to become Director of Immigration two years later.

He was appointed the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland affairs in 2020, under the then Chief Executive Carrie Lam.