Incoming HKU law dean puts freedom at the heart of his plans
Incoming professor sets out liberty of expression and debate as key principles
The incoming law dean of the University of Hong Kong has vowed to protect academic freedom, promote freedom of expression and reach decisions that will be in the city's best interests.
Professor Michael Hor Yew Meng, from Singapore, responded to queries on his stance in promoting democracy and universal suffrage, after HKU announced his appointment yesterday.
Now a law professor at the National University of Singapore, he will take over in July from Professor Johannes Chan Man-mun, who has held the post since 2002.
Hor told the South China Morning Post he was "deeply honoured" by the appointment and would do all in his power to nurture the spirit of liberty passed down by HKU academics.
"I am fully conscious of the solemn duty to preserve the outstanding achievements of deans like professors Albert Chen [Hung-yee] and Johannes Chan, and to build upon these foundations to propel the HKU Faculty of Law to even greater heights," he said.
Hor specialises in criminal law and constitutional due procedure. At HKU, he already serves as adviser to the Centre for Comparative and Public Law.