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Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor yesterday dismissed criticism her administration had interfered politically in the Diploma of Secondary Education exam controversy, saying the question on whether Japan had done "more good than harm to China during the period between 1900 and 1945" was a "professional misstep."

Speaking ahead of the Executive Council meeting, Lam also said she has not invoked her power under the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Ordinance to take action. "In order to protect the quality and aim of education in Hong Kong, and to protect students, I will not shy away from [using my powers]," she said.

Lam said the misstep by the exams authority was regrettable and disappointing, referencing a quote she attributed to late South African president Nelson Mandela by saying "the collapse of education is a collapse of the nation," and that "destroying a nation doesn't require atomic bombs or missiles, you only need to destroy and weaken the education system."

In response to people online finding no such quote attributed to Mandela, the chief executive's office said she was aware there are different versions and sources for the quote, and that it's willing to accept correction. It also apologized for any misunderstanding caused.

The exams authority' secretary general, So Kwok-sang, said yesterday that Lam can instruct the authority's work and request that it cooperate.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com

Lam may act over exam row