In a letter to university vice-chancellor Tsui Lap-chee Monday, Li said the university need not take a polemic stance against the remonstration and that Tsui has been ``wonderfully tolerant.''

``I must admit that the rude remarks which have been thrown at the university have hurt me deeply, though I believe that, in these reckless and unruly times, one is only more noble to uphold correct principles,'' Li wrote.

However, he urged the university not to worry about how the sniping affects him, and that he is still a happy man. His letter was issued one day after about 50 graduates staged a protest against the renaming decision in recognition of his HK$1 billion donation.

The alumni was dissatisfied that there had been no consultation on the renaming decision, and feared there might be a conflict of interest between the faculty and Li's company - CK Life Science International Holdings.

Li said that those who do not know him might mistake his donation to the university as an act of vanity.

He said he had, indeed, asked himself why he was willing to accept the university's offer while declining to have his name associated with more than 80 percent of the projects he has funded over the past three decades.

``The answer in my heart is simple: Hong Kong is the place I call home. The university's faculty of medicine shares the same mission and dedication to the pursuit of excellence that I do. I firmly believe that this process is beneficial to Hong Kong,'' he said.

Accepting the university's renaming offer is a measure of his own dedication to Hong Kong and its future, Li said.

``No one should, even for the pleasure of transcendence, succumb to loud lambaste, further inflicting damage to the integrity and the international reputation of the university council, vice-chancellor and the university.

``I know that, in time, this spirit of public-private partnership that is well practiced internationally - and which encourages philanthropy and promotes the welfare of universities throughout the world - will become more dignified and understood here at home. This is the primary reason why I accepted this naming invitation,'' he said.

Li said he had donated HK$800 million to set up three major medical research centers in the UK, the US and Canada in recent years, and he hopes they will serve as a platform for international exchanges for local medical students, which will enhance Hong Kong's core-competitiveness.

``I share your [Tsui's] notion that we need to ignite a new culture of giving in our society and call for a more strategic vision and investments in education from the government. It is critical that we find our direction now,'' he said.

Li said he calls the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which is responsible for donations, his ``third son'' and hopes it will continue his lifelong devotion to education and medical causes.

A spokesman for the university said Tsui was touched by Li's letter.

It added that the council had engaged in the widest possible consultation before deciding.

Because of the sensitivity of the renaming move, it was impossible for the university to conduct its consultations in an open manner, it said.

It added that Tsui had received many supporting letters from overseas alumni, parents and community members. Protecting academic freedom was always the highest value for the university, and receiving donations did not symbolise forming a business alliance with the donors.

It said there should be no secret deal between the university and the donors.

Alumni and medical sector legislator Kwok Ka-ki said the university should withdraw its decision because there was no proper mechanism for consultation or setting the renaming criteria.

He said the achievements of the faculty had nothing to do with Li.

``The achievements of the faculty are mainly due to its teaching staff and the general public of Hong Kong. We have not yet utilized Li's donation, and we have made a lot of achievements.''

teddy.ng@singtaonewscorp.com