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Regarding an Extraordinary General Meeting today (September 1) convened by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Convocation to discuss the motions relating to the appointment of Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Executive (CE) as the Chancellor of HKU, a spokesman for the Education Bureau responded as follows:
The "Notes on Procedures" of the University Grants Committee stipulate that the institutions have their own autonomy in respect of selection of staff. HKU is a statutory body. It has been set out in the relevant ordinance and subsidiary statutes that the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of HKU shall be appointed by the Council on such terms and conditions as the Council shall prescribe. The Government does not participate in the selection of staff. We believe that the Council will suitably consider all relevant factors including the views of different stakeholders, and appoint a suitable person to be the Pro-Vice-Chancellor according to the established procedures.
We appeal to the community not to impose pressure on the Council, and not to hinder the normal functioning of the University and the Council.
According to the HKU Ordinance, the CE is the Chancellor of HKU. The Ordinance also specifies the powers and duties of the Chancellor and there is no interference with academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Also, the Chancellor does not participate in the selection of staff. In accordance with the statutes of HKU, the Chairman of the Council should be appointed by the CE as Chancellor of HKU. In line with past practice, the CE will continue to make appointments to public offices on the basis of meritocracy. We consider the present system effective and appeal to different stakeholders to respect and comply with the law.
Ends/Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:55
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