Hong Kong’s member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, Tam Yiu-chung, said on Monday that he will not stand in the NPC’s next election.

Tam, 72, said he is not seeking another five-year term on the country’s top legislative body because of his age.

“I think it’s easy for people to understand my reason. I’m not young now. I think the work of NPC deputies can be shouldered by other more suitable people,” he said.

Tam said he has learned a lot in the past five years as a standing committee member, adding that it was an honour to help with the legislation for Hong Kong's national security law, as well as improvements to the SAR’s electoral system.

When asked about reports that former chief executive Carrie Lam may be vying for an NPC seat, Tam said he would not make any speculation.

The election of the 14th term of local NPC deputies will be held in December, and a standing committee representative will be picked in March next year from the 36 members elected.