One of Hong Kong's most influential democracy campaigners, Szeto Wah, has died at 79. -- PHOTO: AFP
HONG KONG - ONE of Hong Kong's most influential democracy campaigners, Szeto Wah, has died at 79.
Known by many in Hong Kong as Uncle Wah, the veteran activist had been in hospital for several months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Recent media reports had suggested his condition was deteriorating rapidly, and Cable News said that he died on Sunday morning.
In a statement on Sunday, Hong Kong's chief executive Donald Tsang said he was 'deeply saddened' at the death of the outspoken campaigner.
'Passionate about China and Hong Kong, Mr Szeto Wah was devoted in promoting democracy. Upright, industrious and unwavering in the pursuit of his ideals, Mr Szeto earned great respect from across the community,' he said. 'He will be dearly missed,' Mr Tsang added.
Szeto was re-elected in November as chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, which routinely criticised Beijing for human-rights abuses and pushed for political reforms in the former British colony. An Alliance spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment. -- AFP
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