State funeral plans deepen focus on Tung legacy
SCMP · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Preparations for a state funeral in Hong Kong for Tung Chee-hwa on September 20 have become the latest development following the former chief executive’s death last Tuesday at the age of 89. Former officials have used the occasion to highlight Tung’s long-term influence, especially his early backing for technology projects, mainland economic integration and later civic initiatives.
Key Points
- Sources said Tung will receive a state funeral in Hong Kong on September 20, with a central-government funeral committee preparing the proceedings.
- The coffin is expected to be draped with the national flag, while a senior Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference official will attend and deliver a eulogy.
- Former Executive Council member Tam Yiu-chung said Tung pushed Cyberport early, set aside land for innovation talent and also backed the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.
- Tam said Tung also saw early the need for closer mainland engagement, citing the Individual Visit Scheme and Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement as proposals from Tung.
- Tam and other former officials described Tung as broad-minded and nationally committed, adding that he later founded Our Hong Kong Foundation in 2014 and the Hong Kong Coalition in 2020.
Why It Matters
The funeral arrangements indicate that official commemorations of Tung will be conducted at the highest level seen in Hong Kong, while public discussion is centring on how policies from his administration still shape the city’s innovation and cross-border economic agenda. His legacy remains politically significant because tributes are revisiting both his governing style and his role in linking Hong Kong’s development more closely with the mainland.