Retired Commissioner Li Kwan-ha passed away on January 23.

The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, and the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Lee Ka-chiu, have expressed sorrow on the passing of Mr Li, and conveyed their deepest condolences to Mr Li's family.

Commissioner Lo Wai-chung has also been deeply saddened by Mr Li's death. "Mr Li was the first Chinese Commissioner of Police and was an outstanding leader. We expressed profound sadness at his death. I and my colleagues within the Hong Kong Police Force convey our deepest condolences to his family," Mr Lo said.

Mr Li joined the Force as a Probationary Sub-Inspector in 1957 at the age of 20. He was promoted to Superintendent in 1971, Chief Superintendent in 1978, Assistant Commissioner in 1979, Senior Assistant Commissioner in 1984, Deputy Commissioner in 1985 and Commissioner in 1989. He had served the Force for 37 years before retiring in 1994, and had received numerous commendations during his service.