Lawmaker Judy Chan sits out charity run, citing health reasons after wrong-way driving incident

Lawmaker Judy Chan Kapui of the New People's Party was absent from a public charity run on Sunday, citing health reasons for her non-attendance.

Her absence follows a wrong-way driving incident in Wan Chai last Friday (Jan 23), for which she has since apologized and voluntarily reported to the police the following day.

Chan was scheduled to participate in the Leader Cup of the "Henderson Land x Pok Oi Central Harbourfront Charity Run 2026," an event that draws political, business, and media figures. However, organizers confirmed her absence this morning.

In response to Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, Chan explained she had informed the organizers the day before that she could not attend due to poor health.

"I've had insomnia the past two days, my legs feel weak… I simply don't have the energy and didn't sleep enough. I likely couldn't have managed it," she said.

When asked if she was avoiding public scrutiny, Chan replied she would attend events she had already committed to "if the organizers don't mind."

Regarding the police investigation, Chan indicated she was told the process typically takes several weeks and may be extended due to the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. 

On whether she would issue further apologies, Chan said she had not looked that far ahead, pending the investigation's results.

"At this stage, I've already apologised, but to give a full account of the incident, we must still await the police investigation," she added.

Among the attendees at the charity run was Augustine Wong Ho-ming, a lawmaker and Executive Director of Henderson Land Development, who commented that Chan had already provided an appropriate apology. 

 "As public figures, I think we must always remain vigilant. Everyone should be careful," he said.

In response to whether Chan's incident has affected perceptions among lawmakers, Scott Leung Man-kwong suggested that citizens expect legislators to advocate for the public and expressed hope that everyone's focus remains on the lawmakers' work in the Legislative Council.