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The Education Bureau today (October 28) issued the following statement regarding the public disclosure through the media of an audio clip carrying confidential content suspected to have been recorded without authorisation at a closed-door meeting of the Council of The University of Hong Kong (HKU):
The Education Bureau strongly condemns such acts.
Institutional autonomy is an important value of Hong Kong society. The Council is the supreme governing body of HKU and has always observed the principle of confidentiality so that members can speak their minds free from any pressure or interference, political or otherwise, and participate in decision-making in accordance with the long-term interests of the University. Any act which violates the system of confidentiality in order to serve any other purpose not only seriously impairs the normal and effective operation of the University's supreme governing body but also undermines its institutional autonomy. The Government as well as all who care about the University will not condone such acts.
We note that HKU indicated it would make a report to the Police on the incident. We believe the Police will follow up on it appropriately.
Ends/Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:30
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