Macau academic sacked for 'imposing his political beliefs on students'
Activist told Macau University will not renew contract after suspension for 'imposing views'. He is second academic in the city to be ousted
A University of Macau academic suspended for "imposing his political beliefs" on students will not have his contract renewed and will leave his post at the end of the month.
Dr Bill Chou Kwok-ping, a political scientist who was last month elected vice-president of Macau's biggest pro-democracy group, said the university had not stated a reason for the decision.
"It is related to my social activism, I believe. It is for political reasons and not because of my performance," Chou said. "My teaching performance is improving. I was even promoted in 2011 to associate professor."
The university did not reply yesterday to inquiries on the reasons for the decision.
Chou is the second Macau academic to lose his job after intervening in political debates in as many months, stirring concerns about academic freedom in the former Portuguese colony.
Chou has joined a series of protests since 2012, advocating press freedom and universal suffrage and criticising government policies to the media. He was elected vice-president of the New Macau Association in June.