Public memorial held for former HK chief executive

A public memorial was held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday for Tung Chee-hwa, former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR.

The memorial service for Tung, who died of illness on Sept 8 at age 89, began at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, Hong Kong Island, at 9 am.

Tung served as vice-chairman of the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th National Committees of the CPPCC. He was the first — and second-term chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR. He is regarded 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.

Tung's coffin, draped in the national flag, was moved to Cape Collinson Crematorium in Chai Wan for cremation at around 10 am. Pallbearers included Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, and Xu Qifang, the executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

While Tung was critically ill, the central authorities expressed deep concern over his condition. President Xi Jinping and other central leaders instructed the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR to convey best wishes and demanded all-out efforts to treat Tung.

Following Tung's passing, President Xi, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng, Hu Jintao and others expressed their deep grief in various forms and extended sincere condolences to his family.

Entrusted by the central authorities, Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Wang Dongfeng, vice-chairman and secretary-general of the CPPCC National Committee, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended the memorial.

A private vigil was held on Saturday at the same venue, attended by a number of political and business leaders.

Residents pay tribute

Hong Kong residents also paid tribute to Tung, describing him as a "humble, amiable and visionary leader". A Sha Tin resident, surnamed Tong, visited a condolence venue in Causeway Bay — one of several set up across the city — and wrote "thank you" in the condolence book, saying that she often saw him on television and did not want this day to come.

Another resident, Leung, said it called for courage and responsibility to be the Hong Kong SAR's first chief executive.

Many residents also recalled specific policies, especially the"85,000" annual housing target Tung had set. Chan, who lives in a public rental housing estate in Eastern District, expressed deep gratitude for Tung's contributions.

"He was Hong Kong's first chief executive, and many things were still new then. He did his utmost," Chan said. "He was truly a good person. We're very grateful to him."

Xinhua contributed to this story.