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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, at a media session after attending a sharing session of science camp for secondary schools in Aberdeen today (September 6):
Reporter: How do you feel about the boycott of classes?
Secretary for Education: I believe this has been reporting on the subject. My reading is... First, everyone, every student is actually free to express their views and so on under a rational, mutually-respected, legal and law-abided manner. Given that background, as university students, I trust they would be responsible for their own decision as well as their own behaviour. Given that background, I do believe, from the learning and teaching, and spirit of study perspective, each and every university and campus would be responsible and accountable for an uninterrupted learning and teaching environment for teachers, lecturers, professors, as well as students. Most classes have been scheduled properly and professionally. Therefore, if there is any change from the professor and teacher side, I hope there will be sufficient lead time for the universities to manage it and I am sure they have standing procedures in governing that. For the students, as I keep on emphasising, they are mature adults. They should be responsible for their decision and behaviour as to what class to take, what subject to learn, and how to take and learn. Given that background, I hope they would be able to bear that in mind, and not to mention the basic manner required, meaning respecting other students who would like to continue an uninterrupted study.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, September 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:22
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