Hong Kong residents have been paying tribute to Tung Chee-hwa, the former vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), with some moved to tears as they expressed their gratitude for his lifelong dedication to the city.
The HKSAR Government's Home Affairs Department has set up three condolence points across the city for three consecutive days from Friday (Sept. 18), allowing members of the public to sign condolence books in memory of Tung.
The three sites are located at Moreton Terrace Activities Centre in Causeway Bay, Kai Tak Community Hall and the Multi-purpose Room at Sai Lau Kok Garden in Tsuen Wan West.
Wen Wei Po reporters at the scene found the condolence sites simply but solemnly arranged. Visitors instinctively lowered their voices and footsteps, while even media reporters waiting at the venues maintained a solemn silence.
From 9 a.m., when the sites opened, a steady stream of residents arrived to pay their respects to Tung. Some were visibly emotional and choked up as they said they would always be grateful for his dedication to HK and his willingness to shoulder the heavy responsibility of becoming the city's first chief executive after its return to the motherland.
Some residents also praised the HKSAR Government for setting up condolence sites in local communities, saying the arrangement made it more convenient for people to express their remembrance of Tung.
At the centre of the condolence site at Moreton Terrace Activities Centre, a photograph of Tung was quietly displayed. Four condolence books were laid out in front of it, their pages filled with messages and blessings from residents, including "Rest in peace" and "Forever remembered".
Some residents wrote that Tung was "far-sighted", while others said that he "governed HK very well during his tenure".
A row of tables was quietly placed near the exit of the centre, where residents could lay bouquets of flowers to convey their respects.
Mr. Pun, who lives in Chai Wan, was the first member of the public to arrive at the centre. He described Tung as a very friendly and kind-hearted person, but said his tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the SARS outbreak and the activities of the opposition forces at a time when HK's national security legislation had yet to be enacted, making governance particularly difficult.
Courage and responsibility in implementing 'one country, two systems'
Retiree Ms. Leung said Tung, as chief executive, had always shown genuine concern for residents, the country and HK society. Even after leaving office, Tung established the Our Hong Kong Foundation, which she said made significant contributions to society.
"Whether in terms of his character, integrity or vision, he is someone worthy of admiration," she said.
She said she was unable to hold back her tears when writing "Forever remembered" in the condolence book. Although she had never met Tung in person, she said his journey from having no political experience to becoming HK's first chief executive demonstrated considerable courage and a strong sense of responsibility.
"Implementing 'one country, two systems' was an unprecedented undertaking at the time. The entire society lacked experience, but Tung had the courage to face the difficulties. He was a chief executive who was highly deserving of respect," she said.
Ms. Yuen said her husband had previously worked for many years at a shipping company under Tung, and that both of them and his former colleagues held Tung in high regard.
She described Tung as compassionate and said he embodied the HK spirit of resilience, perseverance, putting words into action and fulfilling one's responsibilities.
She also recalled how Tung and his wife had devoted themselves to bringing HK people together to overcome difficulties during the Asian financial crisis and the SARS outbreak.
Mr. Chan, the first person to arrive at the condolence site at Kai Tak Community Hall, said many HK people had not fully understood Tung at the time.
"Looking back now, we can finally understand the good intentions behind what he did. Once those policies were implemented, they genuinely benefited the public. We were born and raised here, and who wouldn't want HK to prosper?" he said.
Speaking about the weight of serving as HK's first chief executive, he expressed deep respect for Tung.
"As a pioneer, Mr. Tung was laying the foundations and building bridges for HK's future. Anyone who truly cares about HK can see the gratitude owed to him for what he left behind," he said.
'He genuinely gave everything to HK'
Many residents also rushed to the condolence sites after finishing work.
Mr. Ho said Tung faced considerable difficulties during his time in office.
"The objective circumstances at the time were already complicated. Many people believed that his governance was ineffective, but I disagree. I believe he genuinely and wholeheartedly devoted himself to HK," he said.
The condolence site at Sai Lau Kok Garden in Tsuen Wan West also attracted many residents who came specifically to pay their respects. A steady stream of people continued to arrive even after nightfall.
Mrs. Lui said her family had originally lived in public rental housing and was able to purchase a Home Ownership Scheme flat under welfare policies introduced during Tung's tenure, giving the family a better home.
Mrs. Wong said Tung, as HK's first chief executive, had laid a solid foundation for the city's development and that she was grateful for his selfless contribution to the city.
She also praised the government for setting up condolence sites in local communities, saying they had made it easier for members of the public to express their remembrance of Tung. She said she believed "HK will definitely become better in the future".
Old photograph rekindles memories
Mr. Yip, who brought flowers to the condolence site at Kai Tak Community Hall, said his parents had a connection with Tung.
"When Mr. Tung was chief executive, he visited my parents' shop during a district visit. I still have a photograph of them together," he said.
Yip subsequently showed the photograph to reporters. It showed a woman holding a child and posing with Tung, with the date "Aug. 12, 1999" printed in the lower right corner.
Yip said the woman was his mother and the child was his son.
"Mr. Tung was visiting the district at the time, and there were many people at the scene. My mother was very surprised," he said.
Yip said Tung was a very good person and that, despite the SARS outbreak and economic difficulties during his tenure, he continued to encourage HK residents and helped many people.
"HK was facing all kinds of social and economic problems at the time. Whoever had been in his position would have found them extremely difficult to handle, but Mr. Tung dealt with them very well," he said.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
Related News:
Comment