Friend, leader, mentor: how political veterans remember Tung Chee-hwa

This weekend, Hong Kong mourns the loss of former chief executive and elder statesman Tung Chee-hwa.

The shipping tycoon who became the city’s first leader after its transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997 died on September 8 at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of determined stewardship and dedicated public service.

He is remembered for steering Hong Kong through uncharted waters following the end of colonial rule, as well as his tireless efforts as a state leader and business heavyweight to help repair, maintain and improve Sino-US relations.

Tributes have been pouring in locally and from overseas to reflect the high regard in which he was held, many remembering him as a wise, kind and exceptionally hard-working leader with a deep love for Hong Kong and the country.

He was a pioneering steward of the unprecedented “one country, two systems” experiment, the governing formula for Hong Kong that he oversaw in its initial application and supported in its continuing success.