Liaison chief pays tributes to Lau
The central government’s top representatives in Hong Kong joined Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Thursday in mourning the passing of veteran politician Lau Nai-keung.
The condolence messages came after news about Lau’s death surfaced on Wednesday evening. Lau lost his battle against cancer. He was 71.
Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Xie Feng, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR, and Carrie Lam, were all saddened by Lau’s passing. They expressed their condolences to Lau’s family for their great loss.
Wang, in his condolence message to Lau’s family, noted that Lau had been a staunch supporter of “one country, two systems”. He was a patriot who loved both his country and his home city.
Lau also cared deeply about the development of young people. He actively participated in public service, contributing to Hong Kong’s social advancement and rule of law, the Liaison Office chief said in the condolence letter.
Lau was a politician, businessman and academic. He served as a member of the Basic Law Consultative Committee before Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. He had also been a member of the Basic Law Committee of the Hong Kong SAR under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress since 2007.
Wang said that Lau had earnestly performed his duties during his tenure of important positions, describing him as an outspoken public figure willing to shoulder responsibilities and offer advice and suggestions.
“He had made important contributions to the implementation of ‘one country,
He (Lau Naikeung) had made important contributions to the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ principle and to the longterm prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.”
Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR
two systems’ principle and to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” Wang said.
Lau’s noble character and sincere heart will be honored and admired, he wrote in the letter.
The SAR’s chief executive on the same day expressed sorrow and sympathy to Lau’s family.
Lam noted that Lau had actively participated in public and community service for a long time, showing his care for the country and the Hong Kong SAR, in particular in work on the Basic Law. He contributed significantly to the research and promotion of the Basic Law.
Xie Feng, in a letter of condolence to Lau’s family, said Lau was a patriot who had been devoted to public services and cared about Hong Kong’s development.
On behalf of himself and the Commissioner’s Office, Xie extended his respect and admiration for Lau’s dedication to serving Hong Kong in various roles.
Contact the writers at mollychen@ chinadailyhk.com