HKU pollster vows neutrality in Occupy Central discussion
We just want to raise standard of debate to international levels, says HKU academic
The University of Hong Kong's chief pollster has vowed to stay "politically neutral" as the university hosts the second focus group discussion of the pro- democracy Occupy Central campaign tomorrow.
Robert Chung Ting-yiu, director of the university's public opinion programme, estimates 200 people will turn up.
The results will be published online to provide a reference for discussions hosted by Occupy Central's organisers and other political groups.
"The public opinion programme is providing Occupy Central with a professional service to organise its discussion series in the hope of raising the standard to international levels, both in terms of operation and the use of findings," Chung said.
"We will stay politically neutral towards the Occupy Central campaign … and the campaign pledged long ago to give us full autonomy in designing and conducting all activities."
The first focus group discussion session, described as a "deliberative poll", was held on June 9 at HKU and focused on the technical issues confronting Occupy Central, which is a last push for full democracy.