Government critics earn top marks in liberal studies
But educators stress that candidates' analytical skills were being tested, not their views
Some citizens do not trust the government because of its close relationship with Beijing and because of policies that do not put Hongkongers first.
That was the conclusion reached by an anonymous Form Six pupil in one of the top-marked liberal studies papers from April's Diploma of Secondary Education. The candidate also said demonstrations and protests were more useful than taking part in consultations.
The paper was one of two top-scoring liberal studies answers posted on the website of the Examinations and Assessment Authority yesterday as part of its report into this year's diploma exams. But the authority stressed that the examples were picked out because the candidates showed strong critical thinking and analytical skills; it was not an endorsement of their views.
The answers were published at a time when some pro-establishment figures are tying the introduction of compulsory liberal studies classes in 2009 to the emergence of the Occupy Central protests. Reports last month suggested government officials were looking to reduce the local political content of the curriculum.
"The government is facing the difficulty of decreasing credibility," the candidate wrote. "Part of the Hong Kong public may distrust the government because [Chief Executive] Leung Chun-ying's government appeared to have an intimate relationship with the Communist central government."
The candidate cited the controversial plan to build two new towns in the northeastern New Territories as an example of how the government wanted to "sell Hong Kong out".