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The government gazette today (September 22) announced that six Immigration officers have been awarded the Bravery Awards and five have been awarded the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service for their exemplary bravery and devotion to duty displayed in the suspected arson attack at the Immigration Tower on August 2, 2000. Mr LEUNG Kam-kwong, who sustained severe injuries and subsequently passed away, has been awarded the Medal for Bravery (Gold) posthumously.

Mr LOO Chun-ho who was drowned after saving his friend on July 29, 2000 has also been awarded the Medal for Bravery (Gold) posthumously.

The awards will be presented at the 2000 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony to be held on October 14, 2000.

The following are the citations on the award recipients.

Citations

Medal for Bravery (Gold) (posthumous)

Mr LEUNG Kam-kwong

Mr LEUNG Kam-kwong (deceased) is posthumously awarded the MBG in recognition of the utmost bravery and selfless courage he displayed in the fire incident at the Immigration Tower on August 2, 2000. In the incident, Mr Leung was spilt with a large amount of inflammable liquid in trying to move a group of right of abode claimants out of the building after the closure of office. Conscious of but ignoring the grave danger to his own life, he stayed behind to stop the attackers from spilling the liquid to other people and to protect his colleagues behind him. A fire subsequently broke out, in which he was severely injured. He passed away in hospital nine days later. Voluntarily putting his own life in extreme danger in order to fulfil his duty and to help save others, Mr Leung has shown selfless bravery and the noblest quality of a public servant.

Mr LOO Chun-ho

Mr LOO Chun-ho (deceased) is posthumously awarded the MBG in recognition of the utmost bravery and selfless courage he displayed in saving a drowning person. At night on July 29, 2000, Mr Loo and his friend went swimming at the Repulse Bay. Having reached the floating platform himself, he heard his friend shout for help. He immediately jumped into the sea to rescue his friend who was struggling in panic. He subsequently managed to pull his friend to the safety floating line. Though exhausted at the time, he tried to swim ashore to seek help. Unfortunately he himself was drowned before he could reach the shore. Voluntarily putting his own life in extreme danger in order to save others, Mr Loo has shown selfless bravery of the highest order.

Medal for Bravery (Silver)

Mr CHOI To

Mr CHOI To is awarded the MBS in recognition of his acts of gallantry of an extremely high order displayed in the fire incident at the Immigration Tower on August 2, 2000. In trying to move a group of right of abode claimants out of the building after the closure of office, Mr Choi was spilt with inflammable liquid. Conscious of the grave danger he was in, he tried to subdue the attackers and ordered his colleagues to leave. A fire subsequently broke out, in which he was severely injured. Voluntarily putting his own life in extreme danger in order to fulfil his duty and to help save others, Mr Choi has shown selfless bravery and adamant loyalty to service.

Medal for Bravery (Bronze)

Mr HUI Chun-kit, Mr MAK King-yeung, Mr FUNG Tai-kwong, and Mr LO Shu-tsun are awarded the MBB in recognition of their exemplary acts of gallantry displayed in the fire incident at the Immigration Tower on August 2, 2000. They were called in to move a group of right of abode claimants out of the building after the closure of office. When certain people spilt inflammable liquid to others and threatened to set fire, the four officers tried to stop them. A fire broke out and they sustained various degrees of injuries. Voluntarily putting their own lives in danger when performing their duties, the four officers demonstrated high devotion to service and exemplary courage.

Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service

Mr CHOW Chuk-yuk, Mr CHAN Chi-san, Mr CHOI Yue-ning, Mr TAM kwok-ming and Mr KONG Yiu-ming are commended for the exemplary selflessness, courage and professionalism they displayed in the discharge of duties during the fire incident at the Immigration Tower on August 2, 2000.

End/Friday, September 22, 2000

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