More apologies from scandal-plagued Hong Kong equality chief
Equal Opportunities Commission chairman Alfred Chan apologised again for ‘moonlighting’ and sending a ‘threatening email’ to a professor
Scandal-plagued equality chief yesterday offered double apologies for his blunders, the latest being an accusation that he sent an email threatening a professor critical of his integrity.
Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) chairman Alfred Chan Cheung-ming came under fire after multiple scandals ranging from a moonlighting gig to an email threat, as well as controversial and what was criticised as insulting remarks on sexual minorities and asylum seekers – just less than two weeks into the job.
He apologised for his “unintended mistake” over moonlighting as a thesis advisor for a student at Tarlac State University while still employed by Lingnan University, after a special meeting with board members to explain this particular incident.
“I had relied on my immediate memory when asked by the media on whether I declared [my work as a thesis advisor outside of the university] ... but memories can be wrong,” he said, regarding his initial statement that he did declare his work, but was later proven wrong when Lingnan stated that he had not. “For my unintentional mistake, I apologise.”
However, board member and Chinese University Professor Susanne Choi Yuk-ping still expressed worry despite Chan’s explanation.
“This has already had a bad effect on the EOC,” said Choi. “Even though [Chan] apologised, the way he handled the incident ... it was not done well. He could have done more.”