Sing Tao Daily and sister publication The Standard reported that matriarch Mrs. Kwok Kwong Siu-hing, wielding the holding of the Sun Hung Kai trust, intervened to oust Walter from his chairman position to protect the family's interests. It was revealed that Ida's influence, through being Walter's mistress of four years, has been causing friction with his brothers. On 29 February, tycoon and fellow board member Lee Shau Kee confirmed that, during the last board meeting, Mrs Kwok had forced the leave of absence on Walter. Lee further painted a picture of a lonely Walter, as only Ida would Listen to him. In mid May 2008, Walter brought a lawsuit against his brothers, and persuaded a judge to enjoin a board meeting, saying that Raymond and Thomas had him diagnosed as bipolar disorder to sideline him and silence his criticism of certain Business decisions.