Tung Chee-hwa lauded for contributions to HK

Political figures who served alongside Hong Kong's inaugural chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, paid their respects on Sunday, lauding his foresight and substantial contributions to the city's growth. Tung departed on Tuesday at 89 years old. On a Commercial Radio program, former Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung recalled Tung as a visionary leader.

She highlighted his ability to listen to opposing viewpoints during major crises, such as the right of abode and illegal immigration debates, as well as the rural representative election system reform. "He was always patient enough to hear people out," Leung stated. "Whether we were right or wrong, he would listen until we had finished explaining our positions."

Leung also noted that Tung enjoyed immense trust from the central government, often articulating Hong Kong's situation to Beijing, which bolstered their confidence to make bold decisions when necessary, like seeking clarification on the Basic Law from the National People's Congress Standing Committee. Reflecting on the tough initial years after 1997, Leung praised Tung's selfless leadership devoid of deceit, resentment, and regret.

She emphasized the government's transparency during that time, engaging in open dialogues with opposition parties and sharing sensitive information like plans to seek interpretation of the Basic Law from Beijing. On the same program, Tam Yiu-chung, who was on the Executive Council under Tung, hailed him as a significant contributor to Hong Kong's stability and advancement.

Now a consultant for the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, Tam commended Tung for his deep understanding of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and his early advocacy for integrating Hong Kong into the broader national development. "He recognized the close ties between China and Hong Kong," Tam explained. "We now advocate for integration into the national development as the best way forward for our city, but Tung understood that connection long ago, continually reminding us that when the country prospers, Hong Kong will prosper too."

Tam added that Tung consistently supported Hong Kong during crucial junctures, such as establishing the Our Hong Kong Foundation after the 2014 Occupy Central movement to bring diverse sectors together to tackle deep-rooted social issues. Fanny Law, who headed the first Chief Executive Elect's Office in 1997, described Tung as both demanding and approachable, treating everyone with equal respect regardless of rank.

Law, who later served as Secretary for Education and Manpower, stressed that Tung valued education and youth development. Even during the budget cuts following the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Tung insisted that education funding could not be reduced.