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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The President of the Legislative Council, Mrs Rita Fan, was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of fellow Member, Mr Ma Lik, in Guangzhou today (August 8).
"The passing of Mr Ma is a grievous loss not only to the Legislative Council but also to Hong Kong," Mrs Fan said. "On behalf of the Legislative Council, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr Ma's family."
Mr Ma was the Chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. He was elected to the Legislative Council through the Hong Kong Island Geographical Constituency elections in 2004.
Since becoming a Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Ma had served on a number of committees and panels in the field of constitutional affairs, legal matters, and education. He was the Deputy Chairman of the Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services in the 2006-2007 session.
Mr Ma was also a member of the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee and the Committee on Promotion of Civic Education. For his distinguished public and community service, Mr Ma was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2005 by the HKSAR Government.
"Mr Ma was taken from us after a courageous fight against illness," Mrs Fan said. "His dedication, frankness and competence earned our respect and recognition."
"Mr Ma will be fondly remembered for his contribution to the legislature and to Hong Kong. He will also be dearly missed by his family and friends," she said.
Ends/Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:00
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