Moves are under way at the publicly funded Lingnan University to oust its president, Professor Edward Chen Kwan-yiu.
The university's advisory body - its court - is trying to block a decision by the institution's executive body - its council - to reappoint Professor Chen.
Some of the court members, from the so-called conservative camp, are unhappy with the professor's management style and his reforms. Professor Chen's term expires at the end of August.
The court, chaired by Dr Chiu Hin-kwong, has no power to veto the council's decision but can delay its execution. According to the Lingnan University Ordinance, the court 'shall be consulted by the council on the appointment of a president or vice-president'. The court can also 'consider the annual budget' and 'discuss any motion on general university policy'.
An executive councillor under last governor Chris Patten, Professor Chen left the University of Hong Kong and took up the helm of the then Lingnan College in 1995. He positioned the institution as a liberal arts college, specialising in humanities and social sciences. The college gained university status last July.
But Professor Chen has been dogged by controversy. His streamlining of management angered some staff and his decision to expand the public relations section drew criticism for wasting resources.
