Hong Kong University's Law Faculty has issued a rare statement vigorously defending its former dean Johannes Chan against what it calls unfair criticism.
Professor Chan was reportedly criticised during a meeting of the university's governing council last Tuesday - when members voted 12 to eight against appointing him as pro-vice-chancellor, even though he was the only candidate.
According to council member and student union leader Billy Fung, some members had questioned his academic credentials and ability, and one had alleged that he had only been named as dean of the faculty because he is a nice person.
The faculty has now issued a lengthy rebuttal to refute these allegations in the "strongest possible terms". It dismissed the "nice guy" allegation as groundless speculation, saying Professor Chan is well respected by colleagues because of his excellent leadership, and because of his vision for the faculty's role in providing high-quality legal education and promoting the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The faculty said it had to set the record straight that Professor Chan is internationally recognised as a leading legal scholar. It stressed he is the only law teacher in Hong Kong to be appointed by the Chief Justice as an Honorary Senior Counsel, after consulting the Bar Association's governing body and the Law Society.
Professor Chan was reportedly criticised during a meeting of the university's governing council last Tuesday - when members voted 12 to eight against appointing him as pro-vice-chancellor, even though he was the only candidate.
According to council member and student union leader Billy Fung, some members had questioned his academic credentials and ability, and one had alleged that he had only been named as dean of the faculty because he is a nice person.
The faculty has now issued a lengthy rebuttal to refute these allegations in the "strongest possible terms". It dismissed the "nice guy" allegation as groundless speculation, saying Professor Chan is well respected by colleagues because of his excellent leadership, and because of his vision for the faculty's role in providing high-quality legal education and promoting the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The faculty said it had to set the record straight that Professor Chan is internationally recognised as a leading legal scholar. It stressed he is the only law teacher in Hong Kong to be appointed by the Chief Justice as an Honorary Senior Counsel, after consulting the Bar Association's governing body and the Law Society.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1215305-20151004.htm
