'Medicine Put Me To Sleep, Not The Policy Address'

Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Secretary Erick Tsang apologised on Friday for dozing off during Chief Executive Carrie Lam's Policy Address, saying he was unwell and under the influence of medication.

Tsang told reporters that he recently had tonsillitis and had taken antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs which made him drowsy.

But he said he was doing his best to support the chief executive by going to the Legislative Council for her address, in spite of advice from his doctor that he should take time off work.

The minister added that he did not explain to his boss why he fell asleep, saying he thought it a trivial matter, adding that she had not asked about it either.

“I’ve been feeling a bit unwell. But I don’t think it’s so serious that it has affected my work,” he said.

“If I tried to bother the CE with even such a minor matter, I think she would be kept very busy.”

Earlier, Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung also came to Tsang’s defence, saying he was probably too tired because he had a lot on his plate and had travelled a lot recently.

Tsang wasn't the only one who dozed off during Lam's policy speech, with Health Secretary Sophia Chan and catering sector lawmaker Tommy Cheung also struggling to keep their eyes open.

Business and Professionals Alliance lawmaker, Christopher Cheung, meanwhile, was spotted using the time to sort out a HK$9,600 delivery of hairy crabs.