Official mourning was under way in Hong Kong and across China yesterday after the passing of former president Jiang Zemin.
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A memorial hall was prepared at the Liaison Office in Sai Ying Pun, though people who went there with flowers in the morning found observances would only commence in the afternoon.
Among the mourners were mainland students in Hong Kong who were not even born during Jiang's tenure. Still, they said they admired his humor and charisma and were saddened when he died in Shanghai on Wednesday afternoon.
"You can tell he was a wise leader by his demeanor and the way he spoke," one said.
An alumni of Shanghai Jiao Tong University - Jiang's alma mater - said the former leader was always approachable and he admired his accomplishments for the university and later for his contributions to the development of China.
With flags at half-mast at official buildings including the Central Government Offices, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Executive Council members and legislators and all SAR officials visited the Liaison Office's memorial from 2.30pm to 5pm.
Lee paid his respects along with Liaison Office director Luo Huining and former SAR leaders Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Leung Chun-ying.
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and Secretary for Justice Lam Ting-kwok were also present with their deputies - Warner Cheuk Wing-hing, Michael Wong Wai-lun and Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan respectively. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai and Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin were in attendance along with Exco convener Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee.
Also there were Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung.
Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen arrived with several lawmakers, including Tik Chi-yuen, the single non-establishment legislator as a member of centrist party Third Side.
Tik said he did not discuss his attendance at the memorial with party members because remembering the dead was an act of respect and not politics. "This is done out of respect for a former leader," he said.
Tik described Jiang as lighthearted when he visited the SAR, adding he left "more room for Hong Kong people to administer Hong Kong."
Former chief executives Tung Chee-hwa and Leung praised Jiang as a great leader and shaper of post-1997 Hong Kong.
"Jiang was a wise politician and leader who brought about the handover and implemented one country, two systems and Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," Tung said. "I will miss him."cjames.lee@singtaonewscorp.com
