Comment: Tung's invaluable contribution honoured
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-03-13 15:13

Tung Chee-hwa was yesterday elected vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) by an overwhelming majority vote. That was indeed a full recognition of his historical status. We would like to extend to him our heartfelt congratulations.

Over the past seven years, Tung, with immense commitment and courage, provided leadership to the SAR government, unified the people of Hong Kong, and steadfastly and unwaveringly implemented the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law.

Under his leadership, Hong Kong was able to overcome all manner of difficulties and challenges brought about by the Asian financial crisis and changes in the global economic climate.

He successfully tackled a series of major political, economic and social issues and maintained stability in the SAR. He has done a tremendous amount of effective and pioneering work which has enabled the success of "one country, two systems" policy. His contributions were indeed outstanding.

Now that Tung has resigned from his position as chief executive and can focus on his new job as vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, the profound experience he gained while executing the "one country, two systems" arrangement will be instrumental in helping the country formulate policies that tally with the interests of the people of Hong Kong. We can hence look forward to even greater success in the implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy.

When Hong Kong returned to its motherland more than seven years ago, the concept of "one country, two systems" became a reality, a great undertaking with no precedent in history.

Shouldering this historic mission, Tung found himself facing an extremely intricate and difficult situation. Nevertheless, he and the Hong Kong people, with their determination and trailblazing spirit, weathered grave political and economic hardships and successfully put the "one country, two systems" notion into practice.

More than seven years after its return, Hong Kong still retains its capitalistic system and lifestyle and its people their basic rights and freedoms. The SAR's role as the intermediary between the mainland and the rest of the world has strengthened further, and its status as the freest economy and the city which provides the best business environment, is as firm as ever.

Since "one country, two systems" is an unprecedented enterprise carried out amid a complex social, political and economic background, the lack of experience has made complications and setbacks inevitable.

Yet, invaluable experience can be drawn from such experiences to help advance the cause and foster social development here.

What is praiseworthy is that when facing numerous obstacles along the way - the burst of the economic bubble, economic transformation and the SARS outbreak - the Tung administration joined ranks with the people to face up to one grave challenge after another.

Moreover, at every critical juncture, the central government was there to provide the territory with timely, practical and effective support. Other than a series of economy-reviving measures, Beijing has also done a large amount of work aimed at fostering peace and stability in the local community, thereby ridding Hong Kong of its turmoils and wrangles and paving the way for economic revival and social harmony in the territory.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Tung-led SAR government and Hong Kong people, as well as central government's strong support, Hong Kong's economy is recovering well and the local political scene and society are regaining their equilibrium and stability.

Every day over the past seven years, Tung toiled and sweated without uttering a word of complaint. Long periods of hard work have finally taken a heavy toll on his health. That he stepped down for health reasons at a time when economic, political and social conditions have taken a turn for the better is a demonstration of his highly responsible attitude towards Hong Kong and the country.

What he has done was good for himself, for Hong Kong and for the country. Hong Kong people will understand and respect his act of resignation.

"One country, two systems," the great cause which Tung Chee-hwa has spared no efforts to realize, is moving smoothly towards its ultimate goal after seven years of dangers and adversities, showing a life-force that runs forever. Tung's contribution and accomplishments certainly deserve a fair appraisal.

All sectors of society in Hong Kong are now resting their hopes on the new leadership team to work hard for the SAR's prosperity, stability and social harmony.