Retirement of Chairman Eng

Photo of Mr. Eng

I first met the now 70+ years old Mr. Eng almost 10 years ago. In the old days, Mr. Eng was very active, very voiceful, very opinionated, and love China and Hong Kong so much that he was and still is those governments’ staunch critic. Therefore, it was not without some sadness to see him giving a brief and yet touching retirement speech last Friday. He even organized his years of writings and photocopied some of them for us.

To me, Mr. Eng has always been a fighter for the rights and welfare of Chinese in China and Hong Kong against the powerful Chinese government. I still remember when former Chinese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party Jiang Zemin came to visit Calgary few years ago, Mr. Eng and others ensured Mr. Jiang heard the voice of protest loud and clear during his visit. Reminding Mr. Jiang of his role in the supression of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 in all events that he attended.

With Mr. Eng’s retirement, it is now left to the others to carry the torch to keep the pressure (no matter how insignificant it felt to the Chinese government). I am sure Mr. Eng will keep attending events and protests when his health permits but it is still sad for me to see a once strong andopinionated man slowed down by age and health. Mr. Eng truly set some high standard for others to follow and he will truly be missed. My best wishes to Mr. Eng and his families.