'We're moved by president's kindness'
By Nicole Wong (HK Edition)

President Hu Jintao visited two families in Hong Kong yesterday afternoon and inquired about the well-being of them, ensuring the central government's sincere concern about the local community.

The president's kind and reassuring visit overwhelmed the families.

Accompanied by Chief Executive Donald Tsang, President Hu visited the Chiu Shek-wing's family in Ma On Shan.

The four-member middle-class family has strong connections with the motherland, as Chiu runs a trading business for which he has to travel between the mainland and Hong Kong quite often. His wife is a Putonghua teacher.

Chiu's 10-year-old son played piano as the president watched the boy with a rapt expression. Hu also offered generous compliments and encouraged Chiu's daughter, aged 8, when she showed her drawings to him.

"We're greatly honored by President Hu's visit," said a visibly overjoyed Chiu. "He is so kind and gracious, just like a father to his children," he said.

The president gifted the family a 32-inch television.

Hu also paid a visit to a family from the lower-income group. After arriving at Leung Chi-sing's home, Hu asked Leung about his work and family.

"Over the last few years I didn't have any problems. I am very happy," Leung said. "Everything is fine from the environment to transport," he added.

"We never imagined the president would come to visit us," said Leung's wife, a cleaner at a high school.

The president presented a notebook computer to Leung's elder daughter Leung Wing-kai, who is a design graduate.

"I hope you will come up with great designs on this computer," Hu said, asking her to gain more experience and travel to the mainland to develop her career.

The girl said it would be a great honor if one day Hu could wear the clothes she designed.

She gave a picture of the night scenery at the Victoria Harbour to President Hu as a gift. Leung's younger daughter, a third-year student at the Hong Kong Institute of Education, presented a similar picture to Tsang.

As the president was visiting the families, a number of Hongkongers were waiting outside. Hu shook hands with them.

"I'm moved by his affection towards the people. It's great to see him in person," Chan Chi-ho said after shaking hands with the president.

(HK Edition 06/30/2007 page6)