Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unexpectedly ousted two senior government officials on Wednesday, replacing the secretaries for Culture, Sports and Tourism and Transport and Logistics in a move he described as critical to his future governance strategy.
Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Lam Sai-hung, both 60-something career bureaucrats, were abruptly removed from their positions after just two-and-a-half years — the shortest tenures on record for their respective roles.
Lee, who assumed leadership in July 2022, offered minimal explanation for the sudden personnel changes, stating only that he had carefully observed and assessed the government’s needs moving forward.
The shake-up introduces two seasoned government veterans: Rosanna Law Shuk-pui and Mable Chan Mei-bo, each boasting 35 years of public service experience. Both were promoted from permanent secretary positions and come with strong leadership credentials.
“I need leadership, articulation skills, and proactiveness to ensure good governance,” Lee told reporters, emphasizing the pair’s alignment with his administrative vision.
The reshuffle comes in the wake of Hong Kong’s challenging pandemic period and previous social unrest, with Lee signaling a desire to accelerate governmental effectiveness and economic recovery.
Chan, the new Transport and Logistics Secretary, outlined ambitious plans to develop Hong Kong as an international shipping and aviation hub, highlighting airport expansion and ongoing infrastructure projects.
Law, stepping into the Culture, Sports and Tourism role, expressed readiness to manage high-profile events like the upcoming National Games and the Kai Tak Sports Park development.
The swift and decisive personnel changes underscore Lee’s commitment to reshaping Hong Kong’s administrative landscape and maintaining momentum in the city’s post-pandemic reconstruction efforts.
