HONG KONG: Hong Kong residents on Friday (Sept 18) paid tribute at condolence points to former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, who died on Sept 8 at the age of 89.
They remembered Tung, also a former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, as a humble, approachable and hands-on statesman who dedicated himself to Hong Kong and the motherland.
Three condolence points — located in Moreton Terrace Activities Centre in Causeway Bay, Kai Tak Community Hall, and Sai Lau Kok Garden Multi-purpose Room in Tsuen Wan — are open for residents to sign condolence books through Sunday.
Tung’s vigil is scheduled for Saturday (Sept 19), followed by a public memorial service and funeral ceremony on Sunday (Sept 20).
Among the early mourners on Friday was Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja, founding chairwoman of the Hong Kong Federation of Women. She praised Tung for his contributions to the people of Hong Kong and to the country, describing him as humble and hands-on in all his endeavors.
“He was not only our first chief executive. He was also a leader of our business and industrial sectors, a leader in political circles, and a leader of the people of Hong Kong. His contributions to Hong Kong are impossible to describe in words,” Lam said.
A Sha Tin resident surnamed Tong carried a bouquet to the Causeway Bay condolence point and wrote “thank you” on the condolence book.
“I often saw him on television. Although he was no longer Hong Kong’s chief executive, he continued to take part in many national events. I also knew he was not in good health in his later years, and I was in fact very concerned about him. I really did not want this day to come,” Tong said tearfully.
Explaining her floral tribute, Tong said the white lilies represent hope for harmony and prosperity, and the yellow chrysanthemums serve as a reminder that “we are all descendants of the Yan Emperor and Yellow Emperor” and should love the country and love Hong Kong.
Another resident surnamed Leung said that it took courage and a sense of responsibility for Tung to take on the role of the first chief executive under the “one country, two systems” policy.
“The difficulties he faced were, I think, the greatest for any chief executive,” she said. “At that time, how to practice and implement the idea was unprecedented. I think he was a chief executive truly worthy of our respect.”
Chan, who lives in public rental housing in the Eastern District, highlighted Tung’s contributions during the early years of the special administrative region, especially regarding housing issues.
“He did his utmost,” Chan said. “He was truly a good person. We are very grateful to him.”
A resident surnamed Cou praised Tung as a leader with vision and an international outlook.
Cou said that although external challenges like the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis prevented some of his policies from being fully realised, Tung laid the institutional foundations for Hong Kong and fostered international goodwill toward the city. - China Daily/ANN
