Hundreds bid farewell to ex-official Michael Suen

Michael Shum

Over 400 people attended a memorial service for former Secretary for Education Michael Suen Ming-yeung at St Joseph's Church in Central yesterday.

The attendees included former and current government officials, as well as prominent political figures.

After the memorial service, Suen's coffin was taken to Cape Collinson Crematorium for cremation.

Among those present were Suen's colleagues from his time as an administrative officer, including former chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, former chief secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang, and former financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah.

Other notable attendees included former chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen, Legislative Council chairman Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and Customs Commissioner Louise Ho Pui-shan.

Current officials such as Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin, Undersecretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Raistlin Lau Chun, and Executive Council members Arthur Li Kwok-cheung and Kenneth Lau Ip-keung also paid their respects.

Suen served as secretary for Education until his retirement in 2012. His former right-hand man, Kenneth Chen Wei-on, now vice president at Chinese University, was in attendance, along with his political assistant Jeremy Young Chit-on, who is now a Central and Western District councillor for the Liberal Party.

Other attendees included former financial secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung, former Secretary for Justice Wong Yan-lung, former Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So Kam-leung, and former secretary for Food and Health York Chow Yat-ngok, as well as former Democratic Party lawmakers Martin Lee Chu-ming and Fred Li Wah-ming.

Known as the "bomb defuser" for his adept problem-solving skills, Suen passed away in his sleep on Tuesday last week at the age of 80. He began his civil service career in 1966 as an administrative officer and served as Secretary for Home Affairs under Governors David Wilson and Chris Patten in 1991.

He later held the position of Secretary for Constitutional Affairs before becoming Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands.

During his tenure as the housing secretary, he implemented nine measures to stabilize the property market, including halting land sales and ending the Home Ownership Scheme.

These actions sparked controversy, with critics arguing they contributed to rising property prices and rents.

Suen also faced scrutiny over an illegal extension to his Happy Valley home.

Appointed Secretary for Education by Donald Tsang in 2007, he served until 2012, concluding a 46-year career in government service.

Suen had faced health challenges since 2011, suffering from renal failure and later being diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com