In an unusual administrative move, Hong Kong's Housing Bureau will see its leadership temporarily assumed by Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing for three days following unexpected medical leave taken by its second-in-command.
The government announced Monday (July 28) that Housing Bureau Under Secretary Victor Tai Sheung-shing had fallen ill and required medical leave through July 29. This development coincided with the previously scheduled vacation of Housing Secretary Winnie Ho Wing-yin, who began her leave on July 26 and will remain absent until August 11.
With Financial Secretary's deputy Michael Wong Wai-lun also overseas, the administration made the rare decision to appoint Cheuk as acting housing secretary from July 27 to 29.
The Housing Bureau confirmed Tai sought treatment at Queen Mary Hospital but emphasized his condition wasn't serious, thanking the public for their concern.
The government described the arrangement as demonstrating its enhanced governance capabilities, noting the current administration created three deputy secretary positions specifically to strengthen cross-bureau coordination.
"The acting arrangement fully demonstrates the positive role of the Deputy Secretaries of Departments in facilitating the Government's effective operation," a statement read, highlighting the team's flexibility and spirit of mutual support.
