The Macau government has said its chief executive is in “good condition” after he extended his absence to 39 days, which sparked concerns about his health.
The administration of the casino hub said on Saturday that Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng, on leave since June 21, would extend his absence for another 10 days until July 29.
“During his ongoing leave period, the chief executive has undergone routine medical check-ups and received related medical treatment,” a government spokesman said.
“Currently, he is in good health condition.”
Cheong Weng-chon, the secretary for administration and justice, has been acting chief executive during Ho’s absence.
Ho, 67, took over as Macau’s top official in 2019.
His term as chief executive is scheduled to end in December and an election is expected to be held later this year.
Ho’s last public appearance was on June 20 when he officiated at the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum at the Venetian Macao hotel.
He met board members of the Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum, including its chairman Charles Li Xiaojia, a banker and former head of the Hong Kong stock exchange, on the same day.
Ho also issued statements on June 28 and July 1 to thank Beijing for an increase in duty-free limits for mainland visitors to Macau to 15,000 yuan (US$2,060), and for the introduction of new multi-entry travel permits to mainland China for non-nationals with permanent residence in Macau.
A Post check on public records found that breaks taken by Ho’s predecessor Fernando Chui Sai-on normally ranged from five to seven days.
Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, paid a seven-day inspection visit to Macau in May.
Ho said at the time they did not discuss the chief executive election.
Lau Siu-kai, a consultant at the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, a semi-official think tank, said Ho’s prolonged leave was likely to be health-related.
He predicted Ho would explain his prolonged absence in due course to avoid rumours spreading, which would be detrimental to him as well as Macau.
