HONG KONG • Hong Kong star Andy Lau has posted a cryptic message in an apparent response to news that his wife is expecting their second child.

"To speculative news, I have always responded by saying, 'No comment. Thank you for your concern', so I have chosen to use words here to clarify things... The point is simple and clear... Not yet!" he wrote on his official website, seemingly debunking Next magazine's March 30 report that his wife, Carol Choo, who turned 50 yesterday, is four months pregnant.

As his post came hours after he lost the Best Actor prize to Aaron Kwok at Sunday's Hong Kong Film Awards, Lau, 54, hastened to add that he was not referring to that loss. "It's family matters. Family talk. Understand?"

Asked by reporters about the rumoured pregnancy the night before, he had answered: "True or false, I have always not responded. If it is true, I will announce it on my website."

In his post, the actor, known for his privacy, also described "a night" when he received congratulations from friends, colleagues and media pals, reported Ming Pao Daily News.

"Fans wildly congratulating me," he said, but added: "Thank you for your congratulations. If the dream comes true, I must surely share. Having become an artist like myself, who needs more?"

He and his wife have a daughter, Hanna, who turns five next month.