Opinion | Tung Chee-hwa’s task as Hong Kong’s chief executive was without precedent

For many, Tung will always be associated with the formidable demands of the early years after the return to the motherland – the Asian financial crisis, the bursting of the property bubble, severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and sharp social divisions. The institutions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were new; the expectations placed upon them were immense.

In describing him as an outstanding contributor to “one country, two systems”, a renowned patriot, an exceptional social activist and a close friend of the Communist Party, the eulogy recognised the breadth of his contribution. It also made clear that his role cannot be understood only through the events and controversies of a particular political moment. Tung belonged to the generation entrusted with translating a historic national policy into the everyday work of governing a complex international city.