Former Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa steps down as chairman of think tank he founded, amid health concerns

Hong Kong’s first chief executive Tung Chee-hwa has stepped down as chairman of a think tank he founded in 2014, taking on an honorary role amid concerns over his health.

The Our Hong Kong Foundation announced on Thursday that Bernard Chan, former convenor of key decision-making body the Executive Council, would take over as chairman of the organisation after its board unanimously endorsed him at a meeting earlier in the day.

Tung, 86, also stepped down as vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s top political advisory body, in March. He led the Hong Kong government from 1997 to 2005 as the city’s first leader following its return to Chinese rule.

Ex-Hong Kong leader Tung to leave top advisory body, but no seat for Lam

“Mr Tung’s contribution to the foundation is unique and we are delighted that Mr Tung will continue his contribution in his capacity as honorary chairman of the Foundation,” the board said in a statement without elaborating on his new duties.

The board also said it was confident Chan would help the think tank “to scale new heights in serving Hong Kong and contributing to the country”.

The organisation at present comprises three units that respectively focus on policy research and advocacy, promotion of traditional Chinese culture and publication of a book series on Hong Kong’s history.

Bernard Chan stepped down as convenor of Exco in June last year when former leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor ended her five-year term. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

It pledged on Thursday to follow the path laid out by Tung and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the city under the “one country, two systems” governing principle.

Bernard Chan stepped down as convenor of Exco in June last year when former leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor ended her five-year term. He is now a vice-chairman on the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.

Hong Kong think tank proposes 2 new highways, 1 rail line for new development

Tung’s health has been a source of concern in recent years, with the former leader last making a public appearance at a film premiere in July 2021. His office in October 2021 said that he underwent an operation, but did not disclose further details.

Last month, local online media Channel C issued an apology for falsely reporting Tung’s passing via a push notification on its app, after a representative for the former leader called the rumour “fake news”.