'Don't cry for me. Don't say my name. Let me go on my journey in peace.'
That, and seeing her friends for a final time, was the last wish of pop superstar Anita Mui Yim-fong, conveyed by close friend actor Jackie Chan yesterday at a press conference at which news of her death was announced.
Hong Kong's entertainment industry was in mourning as news of Mui's death spread.
'A superstar in show business, a friend who treats us with real love wholeheartedly, Miss Mui Yim-fong has passed away at 2.50am. She died of dysfunction of the lungs caused by cervical cancer,' announced fashion designer and long-time friend Eddie Lau Pui-kei at Happy Valley's Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital. She was 40 years old.
Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa last night paid tribute to the singer and actress who dominated the entertainment scene for more than two decades.
'Ms Mui's achievements and community services signified the best of Hong Kong's spirit,' a spokesman said. 'Her success did not come easy. She started her stellar career on her own and achieved much with her own efforts. This was typical of how many Hong Kong people achieved successes.'
Funeral services will start on January 11 at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, which will be open to the public from 4pm. A private service will be held at 11am the following day for relatives and friends. Her body will then be taken to Cape Collinson for cremation.
