HKU chief argues hiring reforms will avoid cronyism and denies political motive behind changes
Vice-Chancellor Peter Mathieson says the move was to modernise the institution and in line with the vision to become ‘Asia’s global university’
The University of Hong Kong’s vice-chancellor Peter Mathieson has put up a stout defence of plans to overhaul how it hires its academics, dismissing fears they would concentrate decision-making in the hands of a few as “gross misrepresentations”.
The proposed changes would modernise the university’s hiring practices to empower deans in the appointment of full and associate professors, protect junior staff and avoid “cronyism”, he said in an emailed letter to academic staff seen by the Post.
The HKU chief said the changes were meant to give faculty deans a stronger say and there had been proper consultation throughout the exercise, with many modifications made.
The proposals, listed in a confidential document, would see the university’s management taking a more decisive role in appointing professors, thereby diluting the power of individual faculties and staffing committees to approve appointments.
The most disturbing aspect of the recent coverage is the cynical way in which some with ulterior motives have sought to distort the thinking behind the proposals
“We totally refute any suggestion that there is any political motive behind the proposals and we condemn anyone that continues to try to politicise the issue,” Mathieson, who is also HKU president, said. “The most disturbing aspect of the recent coverage is the cynical way in which some with ulterior motives have sought to distort the thinking behind the proposals.”