[JURIST] Chief Executive of Hong Kong Tung Chee Hwa [official profile] is reportedly going to step down from office as the leader of the Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong [government website] for health reasons. Tung took the leadership position in 1997 after China [government website] assumed control of the former British colony. He has, however, grown increasingly unpopular in the last few years, with pro-democracy protests against him breaking out last year. Tung refused Wednesday to comment on stories of his pending resignation as he was questioned by reporters while preparing to travel to China to attend the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference [official website in Chinese]. The announcement has created significant concern over the proper method for replacing Tung, as it is legally unclear what should happen in light of a voluntary resignation. Reports have suggested that Tung will likely resign at the end of the ten day conference, as he is widely expected to be appointed to a vice-chairman's position, an office of some prestige. Hong Kong's The Standard has local coverage.