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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (January 2) was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Szeto Wah.
"Passionate about China and Hong Kong, Mr Szeto Wah was devoted in promoting democracy. Upright, industrious and unwavering in the pursuit of his ideals, Mr Szeto earned great respect from across the community," Mr Tsang said.
"Hong Kong's democratic development remained close to his heart even when he was battling cancer. He supported the 2012 constitutional reform package and strived to convince members of both his political party and the general public of its merits. The eventual passage of the package, which marked a big leap forward in Hong Kong's path to full democracy, owed much to his unfailing efforts.
"Mr Szeto was diligent in his duties as a long-serving member of the Legislative Council. He also built a distinguished career spanning four decades as an educator, inspiring generations of young people with his wealth of knowledge. He had been at the helm of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union for years and his contribution to Hong Kong's education sector is well recognised.
"My colleagues join me in extending our deepest condolences to Mr Szeto's family. He will be dearly missed," Mr Tsang said.
Ends/Sunday, January 2, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:01
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