Sir Joseph Wong, a pivotal-and at times controversial-figure in Hong Kong’s transition following the 1997 handover, has died at the age of 77. Wong served as Chief Secretary for Administration for a decade, navigating the region through the Asian financial crisis and earning recognition for his defense of the Hong Kong dollar. However, his later career was marked by a high-profile corruption conviction in 2014, a case that saw him serve over seven years in prison and underscored scrutiny of political dealings in the territory.
Hong Kong’s former Chief Secretary for Administration, Sir Joseph Wong, has died at the age of 77, multiple news outlets reported on Monday.
Wong, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s political landscape, passed away after an illness, according to Sin Po and Hong Kong Economic Journal.
Wong served as Chief Secretary for Administration from 1997 to 2007, a period that included the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98. He was a key figure in defending the Hong Kong dollar during that turbulent time, leading a government intervention that earned him the nickname “Bridge King” for his role in stabilizing the currency. Now News detailed his involvement in the government’s efforts to ward off speculative attacks on the currency.
However, Wong’s later years were overshadowed by a corruption scandal. He was convicted in 2014 of misconduct in public office related to allegations of receiving benefits from property developer New World Development, and served over seven years in prison. news.tvb.com reported on the details of the case, which involved accusations of favors granted in exchange for personal gain.
Born in 1946, Wong held various positions in the Hong Kong government before becoming Chief Secretary. His death marks the end of an era for a figure who played a significant role in navigating Hong Kong through periods of economic and political change. The case highlights the complexities of Hong Kong’s political history and the challenges faced by its leaders.
Hong Kong Radio Television (RTHK) was among the first to report his passing.
