Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive, has died, Ming Pao reported, as a public memorial and farewell ceremony was held at a Hong Kong funeral home on the morning of September 20. Officials, political representatives and people from across Hong Kong society gathered to pay their respects.
Xinhua reported that President Xi Jinping and other central leaders expressed deep sorrow over Tung’s death and sent their condolences to his family. The agency also said that, while Tung was critically ill, Xi and other leaders had instructed the Beijing liaison office in Hong Kong to convey their concern and greetings and had called for all-out efforts to treat him.
Shi Taifeng, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau and vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, delivered the eulogy. He reviewed Tung’s life and contributions to China and Hong Kong, describing him as an outstanding contributor to One Country, Two Systems, a renowned patriot, an outstanding social activist and a close friend of the Communist Party of China.
Those attending bowed three times to Tung’s portrait before approaching his remains for a final farewell and offering condolences to his family. Representatives of central agencies in Hong Kong, senior Hong Kong government officials, Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress, members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and wider Hong Kong society attended.
Xinhua also reported that condolence telegrams and letters were sent by central departments, mainland provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, Hong Kong individuals and organisations, and Tung’s friends.