The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (August 14) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Ambrose S K Lee.
Mr Chan said, "I first made Mr Lee's acquaintance when I worked in the Immigration Department. We worked in the department together for about 20 years. He assumed office as the Secretary for Security some time later to lead various disciplinary forces including the Immigration Department. Mr Lee's outstanding leadership, and his meticulous attitude towards and decisive approach to work, were highly respected by me and his colleagues. Under his leadership, the Immigration Department and other disciplinary forces upheld and exhibited professionalism and efficiency in an array of disciplines including immigration control, maintaining law and order in Hong Kong as a liveable city for its citizens.
"Mr Lee worked in the Government for almost 40 years, having taken up such important positions as the Director of Immigration, the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Secretary for Security. He was committed to serving the Government and Hong Kong citizens and guarding our motherland's southern gateway. After leaving the Government, he continued to care about social affairs. Not only did he make important contributions to safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, he also laid a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle after Hong Kong's return to the motherland.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Lee and would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family. We have lost not just a leader much respected by his fellows in disciplinary forces, but also a mentor and friend. He will be greatly missed by all of us."
Follow this news feed: East Asia