Letters | In reforming Chinese University council, don’t break norm of consensus

Readers discuss a proposed amendment to the Chinese University ordinance, electronic billing, pet smuggling and development bank reform

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A view of the “Gate of Wisdom”, a sculpture on the Chinese University campus. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 11:30am, 31 Jul 2023

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The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a highly esteemed educational institution. While the university’s operational autonomy and academic freedom are highly valued, it is also recognised that, as a publicly funded institution, the university is subject to reasonable societal scrutiny.

A proposed amendment to the Chinese University ordinance, which is a matter of societal importance, has been causing conflict because it departs from standard procedure.

The amendment was submitted as a private members’ bill by three Legislative Council members who sit on the Chinese University council, without authorisation from the council itself. This unexpected move has raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the amendment process.

The private members’ bill has caused controversy as it deviates from a 2016 proposal to reform the council in two ways. Firstly, it advocates keeping three Legco members on the council, rather than reducing the number to two, as previously suggested. This has raised concerns about the level of Legco influence over the university.

Secondly, it suggests that appointments to top university positions should be backed by a three-quarters majority rather than a two-thirds majority, which has raised concerns about limiting diversity on the board.