Andrew Fung says HKSAR’s first chief executive will be fondly remembered as a local politician wholly devoted to the welfare of the residents and the nation

The recent passing of Tung Chee-hwa, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s first chief executive, who was dedicated to improving Hong Kong residents’ livelihoods and serving his country, has left many in profound grief. Throughout his political career, Tung steadfastly held to his vision of delivering tangible benefits to residents and fulfilling his responsibilities to the nation, which was best reflected in some of his key policy initiatives. These include the policy to build 85,000 housing units annually, the introduction of an accountability system for principal officials, and his firm stance on enacting national security legislation in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law — which together vividly exemplify his concern for public welfare and his loyalty to the country.

In 1997, upon Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, Tung assumed the heavy responsibilities of the first chief executive. Early in his term, he proposed the “85,000 housing policy”, a significant expression of his commitment to public welfare. At the time, Hong Kong’s property prices had soared, placing unbearable financial pressure on ordinary residents seeking to buy a home. Many families were forced to live in overcrowded subdivided units. Tung recognized that housing scarcity had become a serious problem affecting the quality of life in Hong Kong. He therefore resolved to launch a plan to build 85,000 residential units annually, aiming to increase supply, bring prices down, and improve living conditions.

Although the policy objective was not fully realized owing to external economic shocks and the subsequent fluctuations in the property market, its intent and its reflection of genuine concern for the public good remain undeniable. It directly demonstrated Tung’s determination to safeguard the well-being of residents, enabling families to live with dignity and to envision a brighter future for the next generation. Tung’s compassion for grassroots communities remains etched in public memory and offers valuable reference points for future housing policies.

ALSO READ: Tung: ‘A life of patriotism, dedication and service’

In 2002, Tung proposed and implemented the Principal Officials Accountability System, a major reform of Hong Kong’s governance structure. At the time, senior civil servants served under a “lifelong tenure” model, with no direct mechanism of accountability, and the performance of some officeholders drifting away from public expectations. Tung recognized that modern governance in Hong Kong required a more effective and transparent system of official accountability. Without it, the SAR government would struggle to align itself with the interests of residents and to serve them effectively.

The new system clarified the roles and responsibilities of Hong Kong’s core decision-making officials, requiring them to answer directly for the success or failure of policies. It marked a shift away from the bureaucratic arrangements of the past toward a model more in keeping with modern principles of governance. The reform not only strengthened public confidence in the government but also reinforced a sense of accountability within the executive leadership. Behind it lay Tung’s hope of using institutional reform to enhance public service and protect the public interest — a reflection of his profound sense of mission and responsibility as chief executive.

Among the moments that most vividly demonstrated Tung’s loyalty to the nation was his resolute stance on promoting the Article 23 legislation in 2002-03. As one of the Basic Law’s fundamental provisions, Article 23 requires Hong Kong to enact laws prohibiting acts such as treason, secession, sedition, and subversion against the central government, with the aim of safeguarding national sovereignty and the SAR’s social stability. However, efforts to implement the legislation eventually failed because of strong opposition from some quarters of society, instigated by both external and internal forces.

Faced with opposition and pressure, Tung never wavered. He firmly believed that enacting Article 23 legislation was a constitutional responsibility of the SAR. Its primary purpose, he argued, was to safeguard national security and ensure long-term social stability, not to curtail residents’ freedoms — a conviction whose foresight was borne out by the turmoil of 2019-20. Guided by an unwavering sense of duty to the nation, he worked steadily to advance the legislative process, frequently engaging with the public to explain what the Article 23 legislation truly meant. The efforts to enact the legislation ultimately did not come to fruition amid social divisions and external interference, and Tung bore heavy political pressure and personal criticism; his perseverance nonetheless reflected his loyalty and dedication to the country and people that deserve recognition.

READ MORE: Hong Kong SAR mourns Tung Chee-hwa, 89

Tung’s death fills us with deep sorrow. Yet throughout his life — whether in proposing the “85,000 housing policy” to ease housing difficulties, implementing an accountability system for more effective governance, or standing firm in promoting Article 23 legislation to safeguard national security — his actions revealed a local leader wholly devoted to the well-being of the people and the nation. He understood the challenges of governance but never yielded to them, embodying the true essence of responsibility and commitment through action.

As we remember and pay tribute to Tung today, we should also express our gratitude for his immense contributions. His care for the people and his loyalty to the nation will surely shine brightly in the historical record of Hong Kong, inspiring future generations to build a prosperous Hong Kong and a strong nation. May Tung rest in peace — you will forever be remembered for your lifelong dedication.

The author is a former information coordinator for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.