Leong Che-hung (left) says the university council will follow the HKU statutes to ensure academic freedom and autonomy. Johannes Chan (right) says he hopes the council will consider the alumni’s views. Photos: HKEJ, RTHK
A University of Hong Kong (HKU) convocation voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to have Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying step down as chancellor.
About 82 percent of 9,298 people who attended the extraordinary general meeting in person or voted by proxy backed a non-binding motion to change the HKU charter that makes the Hong Kong chief executive nominal head of tertiary institutions by default.
Also, 84 percent wanted the university council to confirm the appointment of Johannes Chan as pro vice chancellor before the month is out.
Chan is the only candidate recommended by a search committee.
Meanwhile, a motion to support a July 31 statement by a group of senior academics regarding the appointment process was crushed.
The statement, jointly issued by 10 deans of the university faculty, defended the appointment process, saying it’s protected by the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini constitution.
The deans also criticized the storming of a July 30 meeting of the HKU council by some students.
Council chairman Leong Che-hung said he respects the voting results.
He said the council will follow the HKU statutes to ensure academic freedom and autonomy.
Chan said the results clearly reflected the views of HKU alumni.
He said he hopes the council will consider the alumni’s opinions and follow the usual practice in appointing key university officials.
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