Prominent figures and leading official on Monday continued to lament for the death of Henry Fok Ying-tung, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Ma Man-Kei and Tung Chee Hwa, vice chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee, separately expressed their deep sorrow upon the passing away of Fok. Fok died in Beijing, where he received medical treatment, on Saturday.

Ma, in Macao, told Xinhua that he had telephoned Henry Fok's family to express his condolence on losing "a close friend."

Ma said Mr. Fok's departure was a huge loss for Hong Kong, Macao and even the entire country given his great contribution to the country's development and the prosperity of Hong Kong and Macao.

Fok had devoted himself whole-heartedly to the development of culture, sports, education and medical causes in China's mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, Ma said.

"His cordiality and unswerving passion for the country was widely admired," Ma said.

In a telegram of condolence to Fok's family, another CPPCC vice chairman Tung Chee Hwa also paid his tribute for Fok's contribution to the country and Hong Kong, expressing his grief and deep condolence on Fok's death.

"Fok's life was the one that represented hard work, diligence and thrift," Tung said, "he started his business from nothing and pioneered with arduous efforts into a successful and widely admired entrepreneur."

"He was a paragon of the Chinese nation and also an outstanding representative of the patriots in Hong Kong and Macao," Tung said.

Gao Siren, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People 's Government in HKSAR, also sent a telegram of condolence to Fok's family, conveying his deep sorrow upon Fok's passing away.

Gao spoke highly of Fok's passion of the country and Hong Kong and his generous philanthropy, saying Fok had set an example for the patriots.

"His patriotism and noble character will always be respected and missed by all of us," Gao said.

Fok's body will be flown back to Hong Kong via special plane on Tuesday. Further funeral arrangement was yet to be released.

Source: Xinhua