****************************

Following is a statement by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (June 3) on the death of Mr Ann Tse-kai:

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mr Ann Tse-kai, Vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee. Throughout his life, Mr Ann had worked tirelessly to further the development of the motherland and of Hong Kong.

Prior to the handover, Mr Ann had devoted much efforts to further Hong Kong's return to the motherland and had played a leading role in drafting Hong Kong's constitution as Vice-chairman of the Basic Law Drafting Committee and Chairman of the Basic Law Consultative Committee. Mr Ann also served as Deputy Director of the HKSAR Preparatory Committee and Deputy Director of the Preliminary Working Committee of the Preparatory Committee. He had made an invaluable contribution to Hong Kong's smooth transition.

As a distinguished industrialist, Mr Ann contributed significantly to Hong Kong's industrial developments and the modernisation of the country. Mr Ann had served as a Member of the Legislative Council and the Executive Council and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. In these capacities, he participated actively in the formulation of Hong Kong's public policies and in promoting our trade interests overseas. He was also closely involved in our education and cultural developments.

The death of Mr Ann is a sad loss to the country and to Hong Kong. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mr Ann's family."

End/Saturday, June 3, 2000

NNNN