Dr Thomas Tsang, Hong Kong's flu-fighting official, takes a well-earned break
Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai, the renowned health official who led the fight against Sars and deadly flu outbreaks, is calling it a day
The resignation of Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai as head of the government's disease prevention centre last month came as a shock to the city.
The unexpected move has prompted much speculation over why Tsang - Hong Kong's respected and indefatigable "flu fighter" and defender of the city against severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003 - who would leave public service after 20 years.
Some believe the writing was already on the wall when Tsang, controller of the Centre for Health Protection for almost five years, lost out to his colleague, Dr Constance Chan Hon-yee, to head the Department of Health when Dr Lam Ping-yan retired as director in June.
Since then, it has been rumoured that Tsang turned down an enviable offer from Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man to become his deputy. Tsang has declined to give interviews since resigning, but those close to the doctor said the 46-year-old was determined to take a well-earned break to enjoy life.
One friend said Tsang was no longer interested in seeking a higher position in government.
"He had made up his mind some time ago to resign as work was taking up too much of his life," the friend said.
Word has it that Tsang, like many other retired officials before him, may take up a teaching post at a university.