The memorial service for the Former President of the People's Republic of China Jiang Zemin was held solemnly at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 10am today, with the Central Government Offices holding a live broadcast of the service.

Chief Executive John Lee, together with principal officials, Executive Council members and directorate officers of bureaus and departments watched the memorial service live and observed three minutes' mourning in silence during the service to express deep condolences to President Jiang.

All government bureaus and departments also made arrangements for their staff to observe a three-minute mourning in silence during the memorial service. The Legislative Council, the Court of Final Appeal and schools also made similar arrangements.

Government vessels of the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department; the Customs & Excise Department; the Correctional Services Department; the Environmental Protection Department; the Fire Services Department; the Department of Health; Police; the Immigration Department and the Marine Department sounded their horns for three minutes off the shore of Central district during the memorial service's mourning in silence.

Additionally, the 18 district offices made arrangements to enable the public to watch a live broadcast of the memorial service and observe the mourning in silence at designated locations across the city.

National flags and regional flags displayed at all government departments, including offices outside Hong Kong, are flown at half staff today. National flags and regional flags displayed at main government premises, the Legislative Council and the Judiciary have been flown at half staff since December 1 as a symbol of mourning.

Government officials will not attend any public entertainment activities today. All entertainment and celebration activities organised or funded by the Government today have been postponed or cancelled as appropriate.