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In response to the statement on academic freedom issued today (February 8) by the faculty, administrative staff and students in tertiary education, the Chief Executive's Office reiterated that according to the Basic Law, Hong Kong is a part and a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. The Chief Executive, as the head of the SAR and the SAR Government, has the obligation to point out any false advocacy in the society and remind the public to stay alert.
Hong Kong enjoys academic freedom. However, any local government must safeguard the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of its motherland. This is also the obligation of the Chief Executive as the head of the SAR. It has nothing to do with academic freedom.
Ends/Sunday, February 8, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:16
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