Chief Executive Donald Tsang said he is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Szeto Wah today and extended deepest condolences to Mr Szeto's family.
Mr Tsang said Mr Szeto will be dearly missed, and praised his devotion to promoting democracy.
Being upright, industrious and unwavering in the pursuit of his ideals, Mr Szeto earned great respect from the community, Mr Tsang said.
Hong Kong's democratic development remained close to Mr Szeto’s heart even when he was battling cancer, Mr Tsang added. He supported the 2012 constitutional reform package and strived to convince members of both his political party and the general public of its merits.
The packages's eventual passage, which marked a big leap forward in Hong Kong's path to full democracy, owed much to Mr Szeto's unfailing effort, Mr Tsang added.
He also commended his diligence as a long-serving member of the Legislative Council. Mr Szeto also built a distinguished career spanning four decades as an educator and served at the helm of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union for years.
Chief Secretary Henry Tang also expressed condolences on Szeto Wah's death. Mr Tang described him as "a man of principles, dedication, and sincerity" and said he had great respect for the man.
