Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, on the report submitted by the Commission of Inquiry on Allegations relating to The Hong Kong Institute of Education at Main Wing, Central Government Offices today (June 20):

Chief Executive: I would like to thank the Commission of Inquiry for the hard work in submitting the report within a tight time frame.

     I am pleased to see that the three allegations as originally framed were not made out.  In particular, I am glad that the Commission has found the allegation against Professor Arthur Li not established.  It is unfortunate, as the Commission found, that some allegations were made out of over sensitivity and undue prejudice.

     In particular, the Commission rejected the allegation on interference with institutional autonomy, emphasising the Government's steering of HKIEd towards institutional collaboration was consistent with properly formulated education policy and public interest, and that cannot be considered as unjustified interference with its institutional autonomy.

     Further, I am pleased to see that the Commission has expressly rejected the second allegation as originally framed, namely, that Mrs Law requested Professor Morris to dismiss Mr Ip, Professor Cheng, Dr Lai and Dr Wong.

     We have noted the Commission's finding on improper interference with the academic freedom of Mr Ip and Professor Cheng.  We shall study them carefully before we can comment further on the same.

     However, even on the basis of this finding, it is important to point out the following.

     The Commission's finding of improper interference with academic freedom is based on the complaints and requests to Professor Morris, trying to curb criticisms by two individuals, namely, Mr Ip and Professor Cheng, on the Education Reform. The Commission stated that the integrity of Hong Kong's academic freedom has not been adversely affected.

     The Commission found that the complaints and requests made by Mrs Law could be well intentioned.  The Commission stated expressly that it believed that when Mrs Law made those complaints to Professor Morris, she was only expressing her anger and frustration, as she was concerned about the image of the teaching profession.

     On Monday, Mrs Law asked to resign from her post as Commissioner of ICAC. I persuaded her not to do so and at least wait for the Commission of Inquiry report. This afternoon she came to see me again, insisting that she should resign. It is a matter of tremendous regret and sadness that Mrs Law had applied for early retirement. I have tried, without success, to persuade her to stay, pledging my full trust and support. I have no doubt that what she had done when she was Permanent Secretary of EMB was out of a selfless passion to serve Hong Kong by promoting education reforms.  

     I have worked with Mrs Law for long years and known her well.  She is a forthright person, diligent and serving with total commitment and dedication.  I have absolutely no doubt on Mrs Law's credibility and trustworthiness as a person.  

     I have, in the circumstances, acceded to her request to step down from the post of Commissioner of ICAC and have forwarded her application to Central Government.  The departure of such a dedicated colleague, who has served Hong Kong tirelessly and selflessly for over 30 years, will be a great loss to the Administration and to Hong Kong.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:13

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