A public memorial was held in Hong Kong on Sunday for Tung Chee-hwa, former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The memorial service for Tung, who died on Sept 8 at the age of 89, began at the Hong Kong Funeral Home on Hong Kong Island’s North Point at 9 am, followed by the funeral procession an hour later.

Tung’s coffin, draped in the national flag, was moved to Cape Collinson Crematorium in Chai Wan for cremation at around 10 am.

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While Tung was critically ill, the central authorities expressed deep concern over his condition. President Xi Jinping and other central leaders instructed the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR to convey best wishes and demanded all-out efforts to treat Tung.

Following Tung's passing, Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng, Hu Jintao and others expressed their deep grief in various forms and extended sincere condolences to his family.

Entrusted by the central authorities, Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Wang Dongfeng, vice-chairman and secretary-general of the CPPCC National Committee, and Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended the memorial.

Floral wreaths filled the pavement outside the funeral home, with many more placed on the Java Road Playground across the road.

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A private vigil had been held on Saturday at the same venue, attended by a number of political and business leaders, including John Lee, as well as former SAR chief executives Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, Leung Chun-ying and Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

Hong Kong residents also paid tribute to Tung, describing him as a “humble, amiable and visionary leader”.

A Sha Tin resident, surnamed Tong, visited a condolence point in Causeway Bay – one of several set up across the city – on Friday with a bouquet of yellow and white flowers, and wrote “thank you” in the condolence book.

“I often saw him on television. Although he was no longer Hong Kong’s chief executive, he had continued to take part in many national events. I knew he wasn’t in good health in his later years, and I was, in fact, very worried about him. I really didn’t want this day to come,” Tong said as tears welled up in her eyes.

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Explaining the symbolism behind her floral tribute, Tong said the white lilies represented hope for harmony and prosperity in all endeavors, while the yellow chrysanthemums served as a reminder that “we’re all descendants of the Yan and Yellow emperors”, and should love the country and love Hong Kong.

Another resident, surnamed Leung, said it called for courage and a sense of responsibility to take on the role of the HKSAR’s first chief executive under “one country, two systems”.

“The difficulties he faced then were, I think, the greatest faced by all of the city’s chief executives. At that time, Hong Kong society had no experience with ‘one country, two systems’, and how to practice and implement it was unprecedented. So, I think he was a chief executive who’s truly worth our respect,” Tong said.

Many residents also recalled specific policies, especially the “85,000” annual housing target Tung had set. Chan, who lives in a public rental housing estate in Eastern District, expressed deep grateful for Tung’s contributions, particularly to housing.

“He was Hong Kong’s first chief executive, and many things were still new then. He did his utmost,” Chan said. “He was truly a good person. We’re very grateful to him.”  

Xinhua contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at: stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com