Beijing 'concerned, keeping an eye' on HKU internal clash

Beijing is concerned about the management conflict at the University of Hong Kong, says pro-Beijing heavyweight Lo Man-tuen, adding that whoever refuses to cooperate with the investigation and study group is basically "waging a war" against the administration.

The investigation and study group was set up on Tuesday to help resolve the row between HKU president Zhang Xiang and governing council chairwoman Priscilla Wong Pui-sze.

The group, consisting of University Grants Committee chairman Tim Lui Tim-leung and Permanent Secretary for Education Michelle Li Mei-sheung, is tasked to clarify facts and facilitate communication instead of probing specific incidents.

In a Chinese newspaper commentary, Lo, former vice chairman of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said he believes the central government is "extremely concerned" about the incident.

"The central government, of course, does not want turmoil within HKU management as it hurts the university's reputation," Lo said.

He added that establishing the group is "justifiable and extremely essential," and it proves that the problem has escalated to the point that it would affect effective governance. Lo stressed: "Anyone refusing to cooperate with the investigation and study group will be considered as confronting the credibility of the Hong Kong administration and waging a war against the government as well as Hong Kong's interests, which should not be allowed."

He added that Hong Kong is now facing a "very complicated environment," with Western countries endlessly attacking its unique advantages, with malicious smears and slanders, and so "the HKU saga must be settled soon."

Lo said: "If the incident is used by foreign forces to hamper Hong Kong's advantages in education, this will also damage the stable social atmosphere.

Lo called on stakeholders to look at the bigger picture and stop adding fuel to the fire, and instead join hands in resolving the issues within the HKU management.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com

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