China's Central People's Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) sent a telegram of condolence to Chuang Shih-ping's family here Sunday, lamenting Chuang's passing away.

Chuang Shih-ping, a renowned figure in Hong Kong, died of heart failure at the age of 97 here early Saturday morning.

"We are in deep grief after learning Chuang's passing away," the Liaison Office in HKSAR said in the telegram of condolence.

"Chuang had devoted all his life and exerted his utmost unswervingly to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the country's development," said the telegram.

"We felt sorry for losing such an old friend of good moral standing and undisputed reputation," the Liaison Office in HKSAR said, "We will miss him forever."

The telegram of condolence also recognized Chuang's contribution to the country and Hong Kong.

Chuang was Vice-Chairman of All China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, a Hong Kong deputy to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th National People's Congress (NPC) and a member of the 7th, 8th and 9th Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.

He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1997 by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Source: Xinhua