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In response to a Chinese-language newspaper today (February 13)¡¡which named four serving and former officials of the Education and Manpower Bureau accused of "having interfered with academic freedom", a bureau spokesman rejected the allegation as unfounded and regrettable.
On the press report which made the serious claim based on remarks by some anonymous "academics" and "senior staff of the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd)", the spokesman said, "If there were HKIEd-related people who did not provide concrete evidence to support their claims but chose to feed inaccurate information to the media, it would be defamatory and unfair to the officials, and their deeds would be irresponsible."
The spokesman added that the recent inaccurate claims had obstructed and put pressure on bureau officers in carrying out their normal duties, especially in the course of explaining education policies, listening and exchanging views as well as collaborating with members of the education sector. But he stressed that the officers would continue to commit themselves to their duties and provide the best services to the stakeholders.
Ends/Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:08
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