Hilton Cheong-Leen, political stalwart known as the ‘mayor of Hong Kong’, dies aged 99
- Cheong-Leen had been involved in the city’s civic affairs for decades, starting in 1957
- ‘We will have incredible memories of his ability to help so many people in his lifetime. A truly magnificent leader and a great, heroic dad to us,’ his daughter says
Hilton Cheong-Leen, a former Urban Council chairman and lawmaker known as “Hong Kong’s mayor”, has died at the age of 99.
Cheong-Leen, who co-founded the Hong Kong Civic Association in 1954, died in the early hours of Tuesday at his home, his daughter Flora Cheong-Leen told the Post.
“Our father unexpectedly left us in his sleep this morning … around 4am,” the ballerina-turned-fashion designer said. “We will have incredible memories of his ability to help so many people in his lifetime. A truly magnificent leader and a great, heroic dad to us.”
The cause of death was old age, according to the family.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor expressed deep sorrow over Cheong-Leen’s passing and sent her deepest condolences to Cheong-Leen’s family.
“Mr Cheong-Leen had actively participated in public services for a long time. In the last century, he was the first Chinese person to become the Chairman of the Urban Council. He also served as a member of the Legislative Council,” she said.
“He was committed to community services and was particularly concerned about the development of local education,” Lam said.
