By Lu Yixin
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said on Jan. 27 that Tsang Kwok-wai, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, had stepped down due to health reasons, rejecting speculation that his departure was part of a broader political reshuffle within the government.
Tsang, 62, later confirmed publicly that the decision followed consultations with his family and doctors after his prostate cancer index showed an increase.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Executive Council meeting on Tuesday morning, Lee said Tsang had earlier tendered his resignation on health grounds. After discussing the matter in detail and reviewing the situation, Lee said he decided to submit a recommendation to Beijing in accordance with the Basic Law.
Earlier the same day, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that, following Lee’s recommendation, the State Council had decided to remove Tsang from his post as Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs.
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The announcement came amid reports from multiple Hong Kong media outlets last week suggesting the possibility of a “senior-level political earthquake” within the government. The reports speculated that several top officials could be replaced, naming Tsang and Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin among those potentially affected.
Some reports suggested the rumored reshuffle could be linked to accountability over the fatal five-alarm fire at Tai Po’s Hong Fook Court, while others framed it as a signal that Lee might pursue reforms during the latter part of his term.
Lee dismissed the speculation on Tuesday, saying that if Tsang’s health had not been an issue, he would have preferred him to remain in office.
He emphasized that he has no plans to replace principal officials during the remainder of his term, citing ongoing work including follow-up measures related to the Hong Fook Court fire, development of the Northern Metropolis, and coordination with China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
According to Sing Tao Headline, which cited a source familiar with the matter on Jan. 22, the Independent Commission investigating the Hong Fook Court fire has yet to determine the cause of the blaze. The source said the commission’s mandate and scope of authority are clearly defined, focusing on identifying responsibility at each stage of the incident.
Claims remain speculative
Any government action, the source added, must be based on verified facts to ensure fairness, suggesting that current claims about officials being forced to step down over the fire remain speculative.
Another source said political appointees not directly involved in the Hong Fook Court case could still be affected by separate political considerations. A figure from political circles noted that with about a year and a half remaining in Lee’s term, any confirmed personnel changes could indicate an intention to adjust the governing team.
Reports citing multiple sources said senior-level personnel changes could involve several officials, including those who may be held accountable following the release of the Independent Commission’s findings. At least three officials could face removal if responsibility is established.
The last major senior-level reshuffle in the Hong Kong government took place in December 2024, when Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung and Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung were removed from office. They were replaced by Mable Chan and Rosanna Law, respectively.
Following Tsang Kwok-wai’s removal, online discussion intensified, with netizens expressing skepticism toward the official explanation and frustration over perceived accountability issues within the government.
Some commenters questioned the discrepancy between official statements, noting that while the State Council described Tsang as having been “removed,” the Hong Kong government framed the departure as a resignation due to health reasons. Others suggested that health explanations were frequently used when senior officials were dismissed.
A number of comments focused on accountability, arguing that officials should face consequences for governance failures and public safety incidents. Some users linked the development to broader dissatisfaction with senior leadership, while others speculated about further personnel changes, naming additional officials they expected might be affected.
More sharply worded remarks reflected deep cynicism toward the political system, with commenters expressing anger, resignation, or mockery. Several described the development as long anticipated, while others framed it as a sign of deeper political struggle among officials with backgrounds in disciplined services.
Some comments went further, voicing pessimism about Hong Kong’s future governance and economic outlook, while a smaller number dismissed the personnel change as insignificant.
