HKU Council accepts govt's study group findings over interim vice president appointments

The Council of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) said it has accepted the findings and recommendations of the government's study group.

In a statement released late Tuesday, the Council said it would like to thank the Investigation and Study Group (ISG) for its work over the past few months.

It added that HKU "will implement the recommendations as soon as practicable according to procedures in order for the University to resume normal operation." 

The Council also noted that "the University stands united to forge ahead and reach new heights."

The statement comes after ISG met with the Council last night to present its findings and recommendations on the personnel arrangements for the senior positions of the HKU, as HKU president Zhang Xiang accused Council chairwoman Priscilla Wong Pui-sze of "bypassing" him on the appointments.

The Council is said to have adopted guiding principles that included prioritizing the interests of HKU, resolving disputes as soon as possible to ensure the smooth operation of the university, continuing to promote communication and coordination among all parties, and ensuring the university runs in accordance with the University Accountability Agreement, and make proper use of funds allocated.

"ISG is pleased to note that the HKU Council has fully accepted the recommendations," it said. "This outcome is the result of more than two months of relentless efforts by the ISG, which can help the HKU resume normal operations as soon as possible in its fundamental interest."

"The group has acknowledged HKU is undergoing selection processes of several senior management positions, including provost, vice presidents, registrar, and faculty deans," it said.

"The group urges the council and the university management to work in lockstep to fill the vacancies as soon as possible."

Earlier, the university went on global recruitment for four vice president positions, but Zhang accused the university's Council of making interim appointments without his consent, describing it as a "relentless oppression akin to 'witch-hunting."

In a later e-mail to staff and students, the Council refuted Zhang's claim that he was unaware of the appointments. In response, Zhang issued a 10-point statement criticizing the Council for continued leaks of highly confidential documents and reiterated that he had never been consulted.