Johannes Chan's appointment never discussed with HKU chief, says Hong Kong chief executive CY Leung
HKU head confirmed meeting with Leung Chun-ying, but both insist they never touched on the controversial pro-vice-chancellor post
The head of the embattled University of Hong Kong yesterday confirmed he met Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying earlier, but the pair say they "never discussed" a controversial appointment involving liberal scholar Johannes Chan Man-mun.
The pair's remarks left questions unanswered over allegations of government interference in the university's operations, a staff representative and an alumni leader who support Chan said.
Leung's office declined to respond to inquiries by the Post about the timing and details of meetings with HKU vice-chancellor Professor Peter Mathieson and heads of other universities.
Leung's comments came a day after the Post reported that the two met at least once before the HKU governing council rejected former law dean Chan's candidacy for the post of pro-vice-chancellor.
"Professor Mathieson has never discussed with me the appointment of the pro-vice-chancellor," Leung said, adding that he never interfered in the selection process.