A possible cut in subsidies to the English Schools Foundation (ESF) is still on the government's list of measures to reduce the budget deficit, Education Minister Professor Arthur Li Kwok-cheung said yesterday.
Despite a barrage of criticism over the plan - which was first floated last month and could see tuition fees rise by up to 40 per cent - Professor Li insisted 'nothing was sacrosanct' when it came to making savings.
Speaking at a policy address briefing, the education chief also said an increase in tuition fees for students from Form Four to tertiary level would be considered.
Both of Professor Li's suggestions were criticised by educators and parents yesterday, but he remained adamant that the Education and Manpower Bureau had to tackle the issue of ESF subsidies.
'We cannot be afraid simply because some people are speaking louder [against the proposal] . . . There is no point attacking us or even bringing it up as if it is sacrosanct,' Professor Li said.
He said 'a level playing field' needed to be achieved between ESF schools and other international schools, which were not subsidised by the government.