The Central Government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday sent a telegram of condolence to Henry Fok Ying-Tung's family, expressing their sadness over Fok's sudden departure.

Fok passed away in Beijing on Saturday. He was 84.

"Mr. Fok had filled his heart with strong patriotism all his life and he was an outstanding patriot," the Liaison Office in HKSAR said in the telegram of condolence.

"As a witness of the nation's great changes for the past 80 years," said the Liaison Office, "he was one of the trailblazers to invest in the Chinese mainland during the early days of reform and opening-up process."

"He had spared no efforts in promoting charitable causes in Hong Kong and the mainland," the Liaison Office said, "he was an outstanding social activist and philanthropist with his very contributions to the society."

The telegram of condolence also recognized Fok's contribution to the country and Hong Kong when he served as a Basic Law drafter, member of the seventh National People's Congress Standing Committee and vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference since 1993.

Mr. Fok had exerted all his heart and might to help with Hong Kong's smooth return to the motherland, maintain its prosperity and stability, promote the implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" mechanism and the Basic Law, build a prosperous country and rejuvenate the nation, according to the telegram of condolence.

"His contributions are prominent," said the Liaison Office.

Source: Xinhua