John Lee to step in on HKU's internal struggles: sources

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu - who is also the University of Hong Kong Chancellor - will step in to resolve the internal conflict at HKU sparked by the university governing council's appointments of the six interim vice presidents, according to sources.  

The city leader will hold separate meetings with HKU President Zhang Xiang and the chair of the HKU Council, Priscilla Wong Pui-sze, to understand the struggles in detail and emphasize the importance of good communication and cooperation between the two.  

Lee will also propose establishing a coordinating group to address the issues.  

Wong has been criticized for "severely undermining the century-old academic autonomy" by abruptly approving the interim vice presidents in May despite Zhang Xiang's objections.   

The appointments have also sparked outrage among alums and former Council members, including ex-Secretary for Education Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun, and urged Lee to resolve the impasse.  

Responding last week to the turmoil, Lee said that HKU is a thriving university and that the public has high expectations for its governance. Thus, he has tasked the Education Bureau to report to him after learning more about the issue, and further action will be taken to solve the matter.

In a statement released by the Council on Monday, it said the appointments of the vice presidents were approved with majority support from the Council. It emphasized that Zhang has been informed, not suiting with what he described as "did not have prior knowledge of these appointments at all."

The Council also noted that it is the governing body of the university and is responsible for appointing the senior management team, including the interim managerial staff, in accordance with the statutes. 

It said there are no legal issues with the appointments after the Council sought advice from the legal teams and added that the appointments were made in the interest of the university as a whole.

The Council added that it is entrusted with public funds and has to fulfill the highest standards of corporate governance at all times to assist the president in enhancing the effectiveness of governance.

The statement stressed that there is "no personal dispute" between the Council and the HKU president, and it will resolve the management issues in accordance with the internal procedures.