Vigil and funeral arrangements announced for late ‘godfather of Hong Kong politics’ Chung Sze-yuen
- Former Executive Council convenor’s family says he died peacefully, and describes him as devoted presence to his children and grandchildren
The family of Chung Sze-yuen has announced that a vigil for the late “godfather of Hong Kong politics” will be held on Thursday, with the funeral a day later.
In a short notice in Monday’s edition of the Post, Chung’s family announced the vigil for the late politician would be held on Thursday at the chapel inside Hong Kong Funeral Home in Quarry Bay, between 5pm and 10pm.
The vigil would be followed by a funeral service at 10am on Friday at the same site.
“In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Community Chest of Hong Kong,” Chung’s family wrote. Chung was a vice-patron and former director of the local charity, which serves the socially disadvantaged.
Chung Sze-yuen, voice of Hongkongers in colonial corridors of power
In the notice, Chung’s family also said the politician died peacefully, and described him as a devoted and loving presence to his children and grandchildren.
Chung’s death came less than two weeks after his 101st birthday on November 3. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor hosted a lunch to mark the occasion at Government House.
It was attended by dozens of guests, including former judges and politicians.
Born in the city in 1917, Chung began his career as an engineer after graduating from the University of Hong Kong in the 1940s.
After entering public service in the 1960s, Chung became a member of the Legislative Council from 1974 to 1978 and of the Executive Council between 1980 and 1988.
Chung famously told China’s paramount leader Deng Xiaoping that Hongkongers lacked confidence in the city’s future, during a meeting in 1984.
Deng replied bluntly to Chung, saying: “It is you who have no faith in the People’s Republic of China.”
After the city’s handover in 1997, Chung was appointed convenor of then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa’s Executive Council.
In addition to roles in engineering and politics, Chung was also key in the establishment of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in the 1980s.
