David Akers-Jones, Hong Kong’s former chief secretary under British colonial rule, dies at 92
- Political heavyweight is remembered fondly by former colleagues who say his heart was always with Hong Kong long after retirement
- He is known for the development of new towns such as Sha Tin and Yuen Long, and has received the city’s highest honour, the Grand Bauhinia Medal
David Akers-Jones, Hong Kong’s former chief secretary under British colonial rule, has died, aged 92.
Former security minister and lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and former home affairs permanent secretary Shelley Lee Lai-kuen confirmed his death at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Monday.
Akers-Jones died with his sister by his bedside, according to them.
“A few friends and I visited him on Saturday in hospital. He looked at us and he was smiling,” said Lee, who retired from her post in 2005.
Ip said she was told by the daughter of Akers-Jones that he died of colon cancer. The illness was at an advanced stage when discovered, she added.
“Sir David Akers-Jones made a great contribution to Hong Kong, especially when he was secretary for the New Territories,” Ip, who had a long working relationship with the British official, said. “He was responsible for developing new towns, including Sha Tin and Yuen Long ... He played a big role in Hong Kong’s development.”
