Chief Executive John Lee today expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Tung Chee Hwa, the former Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Mr Tung served as Chief Executive from 1997 until March 2005. He subsequently served as Vice-Chairman of the 10th to 13th National Committee of the CPPCC from 2005 to 2023 and was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2006.

Mr Lee said Mr Tung’s distinguished leadership was exemplary in contributing to the smooth process of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, and to the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle and the Basic Law.

“During his tenure of over seven years, Mr Tung successfully steered Hong Kong through the turmoil of the Asian financial crisis and led the people of Hong Kong in overcoming a wide range of challenges through concerted efforts, thereby facilitating a robust economic recovery and maintaining social prosperity and stability.

“With visionary foresight, he instituted mechanisms to promote economic and trade ties and co-ordinated development between Hong Kong and the Mainland, laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s enduring competitiveness. His contributions to Hong Kong were exceptionally significant."

Mr Lee added that upon concluding his tenure as Chief Executive in 2005, in his capacity as Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC he continued to offer national-level counsel and further contribute to the prosperity, stability and sustained development of Hong Kong.

“He was also instrumental in uniting the city to foster in-depth exchanges between Hong Kong and the international community, elevating Hong Kong’s role and influence on the global stage. Mr Tung dedicated his life to serving the country and Hong Kong.

“I am profoundly grieved by his passing, and his life-long and monumental contributions to Hong Kong will forever be etched on our memory. On behalf of the HKSAR, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.”