Hongkongers pay tribute to late leader Tung Chee-hwa at community halls

Over the weekend, Hong Kong residents have been paying tribute to Tung Chee-hwa, the city's first chief executive, at three community halls across the island. The tributes come a day before his vigil on Saturday and a state funeral on Sunday. At the Moreton Terrace Activities Centre, Causeway Bay resident So wrote a heartfelt message in a condolence book, praising Tung for his selfless devotion to Hong Kong's smooth transition.

He said Tung devoted his life to the city, despite some policies not being implemented at the right time. Retiree Tang, who lives in Sha Tin, also paid her respects at the same location, recalling Tung's attendance at her daughter's wedding. She described Tung as a "kind and amiable" elderly gentleman and wrote "Thank you" in the condolence book.

The flowers she chose were lilies and yellow chrysanthemums, symbolizing her connection to Hong Kong's culture. Hong Kong authorities have set up condolence points at three locations – Moreton Terrace Activities Centre, Kai Tak Community Hall, and Sai Lau Kok Garden Multi-purpose Room – for the public to sign books of condolence from September 18 to 20.

Tung, who passed away at 89 on September 8, was the city's first chief executive, serving from 1997 to 2005. He was posthumously honored with a state funeral for his contributions to Hong Kong's unique "one country, two systems" governance framework.