Fans weep for star who shunned tears

'Don't cry for me. Don't say my name. Let me go on my journey in peace.' These were the last wishes of Anita Mui Yim-fong, but thousands of emotional fans took no notice as they paid their last respects to the Canto-pop queen.

They started arriving at the Java Road Playground opposite the Hong Kong Funeral Home as early as 8am yesterday, even though the ceremony was not due to begin until 3.30pm. And they came from all over the world - Taiwan, Japan, Korea and North America - and other parts of China.

Wearing black shirts printed with 'Cherish the memory of Anita Mui forever' and holding white and yellow roses, they sang some of Mui's most popular numbers, including Time Flows like Water and Dr IQ, during their long wait.

One veteran fan, Tommy, performed Mui's fast-beat song Fly Across the Stage.

'I am trying not to wear a sad look today,' he said, eyes brimming with tears. 'I tried to dress like Mui in one of her classic looks, in a formal suit with a purple bow tie. I also brought with me a commemorative booklet with all her pictures.'

A woman from Foshan, who chartered a coach to bring herself and eight friends to Hong Kong, said she hoped Mui would live well in another world. 'We came all the way from Foshan to pay our last tributes. We all love her songs and have been fans for over 10 years.'