Law Society mourns Tung Chee-hwa’s lasting Hong Kong legacy
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Law Society of Hong Kong president, Roden Tong Man-lung (湯文龍), expressed sorrow after former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa died peacefully on September 8 at the age of 89.
Tong described Tung as a widely respected statesman and outstanding leader whose vision, sense of responsibility and dedication to public service left a deep and lasting impact on Hong Kong and the country.
He said Tung played a role in discussions on Hong Kong’s future constitutional framework before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and later led the city through a key stage after the 1997 handover.
Tong also said Tung’s firm support for the full and accurate implementation of the Basic Law and the successful practice of “one country, two systems” helped underpin Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
Key Points
- Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive and a former vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, died peacefully on September 8 aged 89.
- Roden Tong said Tung devoted his life to serving Hong Kong and the country, and called him a respected statesman and exceptional leader.
- Before the HKSAR was established, Tung served on the Basic Law Consultative Committee from 1985 to 1990, joining key constitutional discussions.
- After the HKSAR’s establishment, Tung took up what Tong called a historic mission as first chief executive during a pivotal post-handover period.
- Tong cited Tung’s July 1, 1997 inaugural remarks on “one country, two systems” and said the message remains relevant nearly 30 years later.
Why It Matters
Tong’s remarks frame Tung’s legacy not only as political leadership, but also as part of Hong Kong’s constitutional and legal development under the Basic Law.
For Hong Kong readers, the statement links Tung’s tenure to the city’s positioning as an international financial, commercial, legal and dispute resolution centre.