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Following is the transcript of the statement by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on the Report of the University of Hong Kong Independent Investigation Panel at Central Government Offices (English portion):
The Report of Independent Investigation Panel has been put to the Council of the University of Hong Kong. I welcome the decision of the Council to make the Report public. I respect the autonomy of the University to undertake this investigation. It is for the Council of the University to consider the Report and to decide on any follow-up action to be taken. But I wish to take the opportunity to share with you some of my views.
As Chief Executive and as Chancellor, I am concerned about the well-being of all eight universities in Hong Kong. Education is one of my top policy priorities. The University of Hong Kong is one of Asia's finest institutions with a history of 100 years. In the last two months, as a result of this incident, much damage has already been done to the University. All of us - the Government, the academia and the wider community in Hong Kong - must work together to preserve the foundation of the University and treasure its contribution.
The HKSAR Government fully respects academic freedom. This is a foundation of Hong Kong's success. Academic freedom is protected like other freedoms by the Basic Law. As Chief Executive, I will never allow academic freedom, or any other freedoms, to be compromised.
The Panel has made some remarks about Mr Andrew Lo's evidence. Mr Lo will be issuing a separate statement in response. I have known Mr Lo for many years, and he is an honest man.
Recently, I noticed a report of the Asiaweek which ranked the University of Hong Kong as the third top tertiary education institution in Asia. This is no small achievement. This remarkable achievement was the result of concerted effort of the Hong Kong University's top echelon, the teaching staff and students. It's something all of us in Hong Kong are very proud of. It is important for all of us to move forward and build on the foundation of the University, so that it can continue to provide fine education for our future generations. We should work together to restore the reputation of this institution. As Chief Executive and Chancellor, I am ready to do so together with all those who are willing to take part in this cause.
Chief Executive's transcript (Chinese part)
End/Friday, September 1, 2000
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