The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his profound sorrow over the passing of the former Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th and 11th National People's Congress (NPC), Mr Wu Bangguo.

     Mr Lee said, "Chairman Wu had all along held the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) close to his heart. He had reached out to people from all walks of life during his various visits to Hong Kong, fully demonstrating the Central Authorities' unwavering support for Hong Kong.

     "Chairman Wu had reiterated on multiple occasions the Central Government's firm commitment to the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle, under which 'the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong' with a high degree of autonomy; working in strict accordance with the Basic Law; as well as fully supporting the administration of the Chief Executive and the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law to maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. During his tenure as the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, the Standing Committee deliberated and unanimously passed the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Issues Relating to the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2012 and on Issues Relating to Universal Suffrage.

     "On behalf of the HKSAR, I extend my deepest condolences to Chairman Wu's family."

Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Issued at HKT 20:37

NNNN