'King Arthur' Li appointed to HKU Council by the government
Controversial ex-education minister dismisses as 'rumour' talk of him becoming chairman
An Executive Council member nicknamed "King Arthur" and even "The Tsar" for his leadership style has joined the governing body of the University of Hong Kong.
The government's appointment of Professor Arthur Li Kwok-cheung is widely seen as a move paving his way to becoming chairman of the HKU council.
The body has been at the centre of a controversy over alleged political pressure from pro-Beijing papers over the appointment of a new pro-vice chancellor.
"Professor Li has been dedicated to public service and has rich experience in the education sector," a spokesman for the Education Bureau said yesterday.
Council chairman Dr Leong Che-hung, who steps down in November, said he had not heard that Li would succeed him.
Li said he was replacing Lester Huang, who had resigned from the council, and it was only a "rumour" that his appointment was a step to becoming chairman.
"It's all about what you will have achieved," he said, when asked whether he would be interested in the position after he finished his three-year term.
