Controversial guidelines on national education shelved
Chief executive admits controversy over subject had polarised Hong Kong society and hindered schools but proposals will not be scrapped
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying says the controversial guidelines for national education will be shelved - but not scrapped outright.
Controversy over the subject, aimed at instilling in pupils a sense of belonging towards the motherland, had polarised society and hindered school operations, Leung admitted.
"I hope [the policy change] can … rebuild mutual trust in society," he said at the Chief Executive's Office in Admiralty.
Shelving of the guidelines, handed to schools in April, means they can decide what is taught and choose their materials, which would not be subject to the Education Bureau's approval. Leung refused to answer questions such as whether he had bowed to public pressure and whether it was a political setback for him.
The Civil Alliance Against National Education hailed the "achievements of a civic society" and said the move would mean most public schools would not go ahead with the lessons.