Two universities yesterday defended the right of their staff to criticise a provisional legislator, saying freedom of expression must be upheld.
Chinese University and Baptist University said letters from legislator David Chu Yu-lin would not affect their non-interference policy.
Tim Hamlett, a lecturer at Baptist University's Department of Journalism, received a critical fax from Mr Chu after finding fault with Mr Chu's claim that Hong Kong was 'overwhelmed by reunification celebrations'.
Mr Hamlett said in his column in the Sunday Morning Post that most people did not celebrate. Mr Chu sent copies of the fax to Mr Hamlett's department head and the vice-chancellor.
Mr Chu also wrote to Chinese University's Office of International Study Programmes about visiting professor Professor Richard Baum. The professor said Mr Chu wrote that he was not fit to teach in Hong Kong.
Mr Chu denied he was trying to put pressure on the university. 'Does he really believe that I would have the influence to make any difference?' he said.
