Legislator Samuel Wong Ping-wai died in Queen Mary Hospital yesterday morning two days after suffering a heart attack.
Wong, 59, had been in a critical condition since the attack at his Shouson Hill home early on Monday.
Figures from across the political spectrum paid tribute to Wong, who had represented the engineering functional constituency since 1991.
Governor Chris Patten said in a statement he was 'deeply saddened to learn of the death of Samuel Wong, a good man and a fine public servant'.
Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang said: 'His untimely death is a great loss to the entire community and he will be sadly missed for his unfailing good humour, his friendship, his independence of spirit and his selflessness in serving the community.' Chief Executive-designate Tung Chee-hwa said Wong had contributed a great deal to the community in the field of engineering and other areas, such as environmental protection and planning.
'I wish to extend my sincere condolences to his family,' he said.
Legislators observed a minute's silence in tribute at yesterday's sitting.