Former education and housing secretary Michael Suen, who was best known for his measures to combat a housing crisis two decades ago, has died at the age of 80.

Suen joined the government in 1966 and held various positions.

During his tenure as housing minister, he rolled out nine measures to revive the property market in 2002, after it plummeted to record lows following the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

The measures included halting regular land auctions, as well as suspending the Home Ownership Scheme and the selling of subsidised housing.

Critics argued that the drastic reduction in housing supply brought on by the measures led to housing shortages and soaring property prices.

Suen served as education minister from 2007 to 2012 before retiring.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed sorrow over the death, saying Suen made great contributions to the government over the years.

"He had formulated strategies and provided counsel to the HKSAR in various policy areas, addressing different challenges while promoting Hong Kong's development. He commanded great respect from government colleagues and members of the community with his dedicated service to the public over the years," Lee said in a statement.

Housing Secretary Winnie Ho also expressed sorrow, saying Suen's connections with housing affairs started when he joined the Housing Authority in 1973.

Education minister Christine Choi said Suen put in place many important education policies including the "334" academic structure, adding that his achievements will continue to have an impact.

Cultural, sports and tourism chief Kevin Yeung, meanwhile, praised Suen for his contributions to various government policies.

Executive Council convenor and New People’s Party lawmaker Regina Ip said Suen played a crucial role in the SAR's development.

"He was in charge of many important policy areas, including constitutional development, land, housing and planning, and before his retirement, education. When I first met him, he was a district officer in Sha Tin, and he was responsible for clearance of Tai Wai to make room for the construction of Sha Tin City One. So he really played a very important role in Hong Kong's development over many decades," Ip said.

In 2011, Suen was diagnosed with kidney failure and contracted Legionnaires’ disease the same year.