Lawmakers deny 'kicking out' CUHK president Tuan

The resignation of Chinese University of Hong Kong president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi has nothing to do with the sacking of his right-hand man Eric Ng Shu-pui last month, the three lawmakers appointed to the university's governing council said as they brushed off claims they had "successfully kicked Tuan out."

The three lawmakers - Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong's Edward Lau Kwok-fan, Federation of Trade Unions' Bill Tang Ka-piu and Liberal Party's Tommy Cheung Yu-yan - added that the council reform they tabled at the Legislative Council last year is of the university's long-term benefit instead of targeting Tuan.

Speaking before the Legislative Council meeting yesterday, the trio said they "respected Tuan's decision to resign."

"We lawmakers appointed to the council made our decision based on the long-term benefit of the university, including decisions made during the reform of the university council and the emblem-changing saga in 2022," Lau said.

"The dismissal of university vice president Eric Ng is also prompted by the council losing faith in Ng to continue the principles of good governance, which has nothing to do with Tuan's resignation based on a personal decision," he added.

Lau also believes Tuan will work closely with the revamped council to ensure a smooth transition to the next university president.

Cheung also denied that Tuan's resignation would affect the morale of the university's teachers and students, saying that such claims are all speculation, while also calling on university staff and students to respect Tuan's decision.

Tang thanked Tuan for leading the university to huge success in research performance and international university rankings.

"I believe the council will commence a meeting soon to search for a new president, and will only take the university's governance and development to a new level," Tang said.

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin, who was on a duty trip in Guangzhou, said Tuan's resignation is based on a personal decision, and his resignation is irrelevant to the new governance structure at the university.

A former member of the university council, Enders Lam Wai-hung, believed that Tuan was having a hard time working with the new governing council of the university.

"Judging from Tuan's statement, his words implied that he has difficulties cooperating with the council. This might also drive potential candidates away from taking on the role as they might be worried about being treated the same way as Tuan," Lam said.

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, a Chinese University alumna, said she hopes any reshuffle to the university's management will not affect students' academic studies.