Hong Kong university council backs ex-chair's bid to seek media gag order
Top decision-making body throws weight behind Leong Che-hung
The University of Hong Kong's governing council has endorsed its former chairman's action last month to seek a controversial gag order that bans media publication of the council's business.
It also names council member Abraham Razack as its temporary spokesman until a chairman is appointed. The lawmaker will set the agenda for the next meeting and handle emergency matters as well.
The leadership vacuum is caused by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who, contrary to expectations, has not yet named a successor to council chairman Dr Leong Che-hung after the expiry of his term on November 6.
It is believed that Leung wants to appoint Arthur Li Kwok-cheung but is treading cautiously because of public opposition to the former education minister known for his high-handed style.
READ MORE: Suspicions HKU posting was delayed to avoid uproar
Razack said last night after a council meeting that members had agreed to support Leong's injunction application, made without prior consultation with them.
He said: "We support this because Dr Leong has done the right thing according to our rules. He needed to safeguard our principle of confidentiality, making sure all council members can speak what they want to say. This is legally and morally justified."