Political parties in Hong Kong on Wednesday pledged to carry forward the late Tung Chee-hwa’s spirit of “serving Hong Kong and keeping the motherland close at heart”, as they mourned the passing of the city’s first chief executive.

Pledging to keep striving for the development of the country and Hong Kong, they said that Tung had always borne in his heart a love for the country and for Hong Kong and made historic contributions to the city’s smooth return to the motherland and the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

Calling Tung “a wise man with compassion, a strong sense of responsibility, and foresight”, the city’s biggest political party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said in a statement that throughout his life, Tung was devoted to the country and Hong Kong, serving the motherland and the city.

In September 2019, he received a national honorary title for his contribution to the implementation of “one country, two systems”, a testament to his monumental historical contributions: safeguarding Hong Kong’s overall interests, upholding the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests, and advancing Hong Kong’s smooth return and stable transition alongside the successful practice of “one country, two systems”, the statement read.

ALSO READ: Central govt hails Tung's contribution to 'one country, two systems'

Tung also often urged Hong Kong people to make good use of the strengths of the “one country, two systems” policy and contribute more to the development of Hong Kong and the country. He himself led by example: during his tenure as vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), he continued to serve Hong Kong and the nation, the statement read.

The Liberal Party, in a separate statement, also expressed sorrow at Tung’s passing, pledging to emulate his patriotism and spirit of dedication, firmly uphold the “one country, two systems” framework, and strive wholeheartedly for the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of Hong Kong.

Tung had a profound sense of commitment to his country and homeland, it said, citing Tung’s best-known quote “When Hong Kong thrives, the nation thrives; when the nation prospers, Hong Kong fares even better.”

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the city’s largest labor group, also paid its respects to Tung on Wednesday.

In its tribute, the union cited his enduring legacy of the job-training programs, retirement security networks and grassroots-welfare systems that he rolled out while in office — measures that left a profound and positive imprint on the city’s broad community of wage earners years later, they said.

Tung’s life was one of unrelenting service to the great cause of implementing the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong and to the city’s growth — “a devotion we deeply respect”, the tribute read.

The statement also lauded his foresight and resolve in grappling with the economic transition and unemployment crises set off by the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s, shortly after the city’s return to the motherland.

READ MORE: Lee: Tung dedicated his life to serving the nation, HKSAR

With a governance approach rooted in people-oriented pragmatism, Tung responded keenly to the needs of working-class communities, advancing labor protections and building a more complete employment system, the union stated.

Tung’s time in office saw the introduction of a raft of vital measures to protect workers’ livelihoods, including the Mandatory Provident Fund System, which was rolled out in 2000. The program filled a yawning gap in employee retirement coverage and has since provided a safety net for Hong Kong’s working people.

Tung was a patriot who loved his country and his city, and who always bore in mind the livelihood of grassroots families as well as labor protections, the union said.

His quiet, self-effacing dedication, the union added, remains an enduring source of inspiration for all those who work to build a better Hong Kong and to serve the city’s underprivileged communities.

Meanwhile, the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong also issued a condolence statement, in which it described Tung as an “exemplary implementer, guardian and contributor” of the “one country, two systems” principle.

The alliance noted that Tung’s tenure had to face off the Asian financial crisis and SARS outbreak. With robust support from the central government, the alliance said, he stayed the course, rallying Hong Kong’s community to overcome each challenge.

Contact the writer at Gangwen@chinadailyhk.com