Chief Executive Donald Tsang today accepted Selina Chow's resignation from the Executive Council.

Mr Tsang said he was informed by Mrs Chow early last week of her wish to resign from ExCo. He has considered it carefully before he accepted.

"Since joining ExCo in September 2003 Mrs Chow has never failed us in offering wise counsel to the Government. On behalf of all ExCo members and the Government, I thank Mrs Chow for her signal contributions to ExCo's work," Mr Tsang said.

He said the candour, creativity and vigour Mrs Chow has brought to ExCo will be missed, and her passion and dedication in serving Hong Kong will long be remembered.

The Convenor of ExCo's non-official members Leung Chun-ying said they fully understand and respect Ms Chow's decision. He also praised her long history of serving on ExCo and the Legislative Council, as well as her long-term efforts in public service.