Forget politics and focus on our academic standing, says University of Hong Kong chief Peter Mathieson
Vice chancellor calls for an end to squabbling and admits the institution has lost ground in global rankings
The University of Hong Kong chief says it is time to turn away from politics and focus on academic development as he acknowledges the institution’s position in rankings has “deteriorated slowly but steadily” in the past few years.
Addressing an annual meeting of HKU’s court, its legislative body, vice chancellor and president Peter Mathieson said people should shift the focus from individuals and get back on to the university.
“It is time to put divisions behind us,” he told the court, which comprises academic staff and lay members, according to the transcript of his speech released today. “In my opinion there has been far too much focus on individuals: who the chancellor is and how he is selected, who will be the next chair of council ... and not enough focus on the university as a whole.”
HKU has been embroiled in political storms in the past year, since the pro-Beijing press attacked law professor Johannes Chan Man-mun, who had applied for the position of a pro-vice-chancellor at the university, saying he “meddled in politics” and was not fit for the job.
Its governing council eventually voted down Chan’s appointment, even though he had been recommended by a search committee.
READ MORE: HKU vice chancellor Peter Mathieson placed in tough spot
That saga was followed by controversy over whether Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying should let council member Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, a former education minister known for his high-handed style, chair the council. The post has been vacant for more than a month.