Residents across Hong Kong are mourning the passing of Tung Chee-hwa, the first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who passed away on Sept 8 at the age of 89, and praising him as a humble, amiable and hands-on statesman who gave his all to Hong Kong and the nation.
A period of public condolence started one day before Tung's vigil, scheduled for Saturday. A public memorial service and funeral ceremony for the former vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will be held on Sunday.
The Home Affairs Department has established three condolence points in Causeway Bay, Kai Tak, and Tsuen Wan respectively. The locations are open for residents to sign condolence books from Friday through Sunday.
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Among the early mourners was Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja, founding chairwoman of the Hong Kong Federation of Women, who praised Tung for his contributions to the people of Hong Kong and to the country, describing him as humble and someone who was hands-on in everything he did.
“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 made a special trip to the Causeway Bay condolence point in the morning carrying a bouquet of yellow and white flowers, and wrote “thank you” in 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.
Tong explained the symbolism behind her floral tribute. She said the white lilies represent hope for harmony and prosperity in all endeavors, while the yellow chrysanthemums serve as a reminder that "we are all descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors" and should love the country and love Hong Kong.
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Another resident surnamed Leung said that a person without rich political experience who took on the role of the first chief executive under “one country, two systems” required courage and a sense of responsibility.
“The difficulties he faced were, I think, the greatest (to be faced by) all the chief executives. At that time, society had no experience with ‘one country, two systems’; how to practice and implement the idea was unprecedented. So I think he was a chief executive truly worthy of our respect,” she said.
Many residents also recalled specific policies, especially the “85,000” annual housing target. Chan, who lives in public rental housing in the Eastern District, was deeply grateful for Tung’s contributions, particularly on housing.
“He was Hong Kong’s first chief executive, and many things were still at an exploratory stage. He did his utmost,” Chan said. “He was truly a good person. We are very grateful to him.”
Another resident, surnamed Cou, said that although external shocks such as the Asian financial crisis prevented some policies from being realized at the time, Tung laid Hong Kong’s institutional foundations and fostered international goodwill toward the city. Cou praised Tung as a leader with vision and an international outlook who devoted himself to the people of Hong Kong.
Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com
