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A Commission of Inquiry was appointed by the Chief Executive in Council today (February 15) to inquire into the facts relevant to the allegations made by Professor Bernard Luk Hung-kay on improper interference by government officials with academic freedom or the institutional autonomy of the Hong Kong Institute of Education.
The Honourable Mr Justice Woo, Vice President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, has been appointed Chairman and Commissioner of the Inquiry and Mr Lee Jark-pui another Commissioner. The Commission functions independently and is expected to commence inquiry shortly.
The Commission of Inquiry is a judicial proceeding appointed in accordance with the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance (Cap. 86). It is a thorough inquiry with statutory powers to summon persons to give evidence and produce documents.
Apart from establishing the facts relevant to the allegations made by Professor Luk, the Commission's terms of reference require it to ascertain, on the facts as found, if there has been any improper interference by the Secretary for Education and Manpower or other government officials with the academic freedom or institutional autonomy of the Institute; and, on the basis of its findings, to make recommendations on the ways and manner in which advice by the Government to the Institute, with respect to the exercise of the Institute's powers or the achievement of its objects, might be given in future.
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said: "A statutory commission is necessary to establish the facts relevant to those allegations made by the Institute's Academic Vice President, Professor Bernard Luk. The Commission will ascertain if there has indeed been any improper interference with the Institute's academic freedom or institutional autonomy.
"We treasure academic freedom in Hong Kong. Academic freedom is a core value of ours that must not be eroded. These allegations are indeed very serious for the concerned government officials, and should not be taken lightly. I am sure the public would agree with me that we need to get to the bottom of these allegations."
The Hon Mr Justice Woo and Mr Lee Jark-pui have been appointed by the Chief Executive in Council for their expertise, standing in the community and distinguished record of public service. Mr Justice Woo was Commissioner for the statutory Inquiry into the Garley Building Fire (appointed December 1996) and the Inquiry on the New Airport (appointed July 1998).
Among other positions held, Mr Lee is Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service, Hong Kong Council of Volunteering and Innovation and Technology Fund General Support Programme Vetting Committee, and was past Chairman of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee and Legal Aid Services Council.
The Commission will commence operation as soon as practicable and will report to the Chief Executive within four months from the date of appointment or such time as the Chief Executive in Council may allow.
Mr Esmond Lee, Administrative Officer Staff Grade B, has been appointed Secretary to the Commission.
Ends/Thursday, February 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:37
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