Steadfast servant: Tendering his resignation, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong says it has been a privilege serving Hong Kong people.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa today accepted the resignation of Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong.

Mr Tung hailed Dr Yeoh's professional and dedicated service to the public, and his altruism and courage in the fight against SARS.

Dr Yeoh offered his resignation "to give an expression to the spirit of accountability".

Mr Tung said he considered the resignation very carefully before accepting, and added the he and other senior officials are saddened by his departure.

However, to ensure a suitable successor is found, and that public health is maintained until then, Dr Yeoh has agreed to continue in the position for another three months.

"I would like to thank Dr Yeoh for his work during the past few years. Dr Yeoh is a very dedicated person and he is very dedicated to his country and is very courageous in the face of great pressure. He has served the public selflessly and professionally," Mr Tung said.

"Dr Yeoh is very committed to Hong Kong. That's why everyday when he has been in his post, he has given his utmost to fulfilling his duties."

Dedicated SARS fighter

Mr Tung said the hard work of Dr Yeoh and his team helped contain SARS.

"He has done his job adequately and his achievement has been recognised by world health organisations. He has been under a lot of pressure from the public, but he continued to persevere in his post and he has managed to revamp our medical system.  And he has accepted and implemented the majority of the recommendations made by international experts and as a result we have managed to keep SARS at bay," Mr Tung said.

He added that SARS has been handled properly by Hong Kong, and no one should be accused of negligence or reprimanded because of maladministration.

"Officials who have participated in the fight against SARS have done their best, and there is no evidence that officials had not given their best or there was a problem with integrity," Mr Tung said.

Dr Yeoh thanked Mr Tung for his leadership and support, adding: "It has been a privilege to have had this opportunity to serve the people of Hong Kong."