Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng on Wednesday announced that he will not seek re-election in October, citing health reasons.

In a statement, Ho said his health has not fully recovered.

"For the sake of Macau's long-term development and from the perspective of the overall situation, I have decided not to participate in the election for the sixth-term chief executive," he wrote.

"I, Ho Iat-seng, hereby would like to sincerely thank the central government, all the sectors of the Macau society and our residents for their full trust and steadfast support over the past five years."

Ho added that he has profound feelings for Macau and has done his utmost for the SAR's development.

He said he will fully support the next chief executive.