What power will ‘King Arthur’ wield as University of Hong Kong council chairman?
Leadership role will give controversial former education minister influence over council appointments, meeting agendas and sensitive information
The controversial appointment of ‘King’ Arthur Li Kwok-cheung as the University of Hong Kong’s council chairman has raised many concerns and questions over the power he will wield.
What, many ask, could he be authorised to do as the governing council chairman?
HKU’s 23-member council – excluding its chairman – has six members appointed by the chief executive and six members appointed by the council from outside the university. These 12 members constitute an important voice within the council, given that there are only eight university student, staff and management representatives on the body.
The chairman heads a nominations committee in charge of recommending outside council members for appointment by the council. The committee consists of other outside members on the council, the vice-chancellor and one academic member of the council.
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The chairman is also responsible for setting council meeting agenda and has the power to decide whether a member who has a conflict of interest on a matter for council discussion can speak or vote on the matter.
Regarding confidential documents and other information circulated within the council, the chairman has the discretion to disclose the materials to people not on the council on a “need-to-know’ basis.