Election Committee lawmaker Dennis Lam Shun-chiu announced on Wednesday that he will not stand for re-election in the upcoming Legislative Council poll, bringing the total number of lawmakers stepping down to at least 14.
The 65-year-old ophthalmologist said his decision was driven by a desire to return to his medical profession and focus on the fields of biomedicine and clinical medicine.
Lam expressed gratitude for having witnessed the legislature "getting back on track" and returning to rationality and practicality during his term.
He added that the choice not to run again was a recent one and that his age was merely one factor among many considered.
Reflecting on his past four years in office, Lam described his tenure as "imperfect," citing time constraints and other limitations. Despite this, he stated he had no regrets.
In addition, the 74-year-old real estate and construction sector legislator Louis Loong Hon-biu also announced that he would step down, noting he had fulfilled the promises he made when first elected.
He said it was time for him to hand over responsibilities and devote himself to chamber affairs.
(Updated at 7.31pm)
