Failure to announce ex-academic’s role as adviser only causes suspicion: lawmaker
GARY CHEUNG AND DANNY LEE
PUBLISHED : Tuesday, 01 December, 2015, 11:24pm
UPDATED : Wednesday, 02 December, 2015, 12:06am
Louie Kin-Sheun, author and now member of the Central Policy Unit. Photo: SCMP Picture
The Central Policy Unit, responsible for advising Hong Kong’s chief executive, chief secretary and financial secretary, has been criticised for quietly appointing a senior adviser to the government's think tank without disclosing the move to the public.
Former academic Dr Louie Kin-sheun assumed his short-term role as special project director on Monday – the appointment only confirmed after an inquiry from the South China Morning Post.
No public announcement was made, unlike in the appointments of three other members on the same pay grade who were handed longer-term contracts.
Dr Louie Kin Sheun in a file photo from 1992. Photo: SCMP PicturesLouie, a retired City University political scientist, is the elder brother of Louie King-bun, a former executive editor of pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Po and former executive director of ATV.
He confirmed to the Post he had started work but declined to give details on which projects he will be responsible for.
A unit spokesman confirmed Louie’s “temporary” tenure would last 12 months. His pay grade is directorate grade-three – HK$180,200 per month.
“Dr Louie is an experienced academic, having worked in various tertiary institutions for over 20 years. His research expertise covers history, political systems, and cultural issues,” the spokesman said.
According to the government, the academic will assist the Policy Unit chief Shiu Sin-por in leading special research projects.
If the government feel the appointment is legitimate and appropriate, they should announce it.
JAMES TO KUN-SUN
The government can appoint advisers on shorter-term contracts without seeking approval from Legislative Council’s Finance Committee or Establishment Subcommittee.
Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun, a member of both committees, said: “ There is nothing to hide, but if the government feel the appointment is legitimate and appropriate, they should announce it.
“A secret appointment would only create suspicion and undermine government credibility.”
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1885711/secrecy-former-academics-appointment-hong-kongs-central
