Mrs Chan keeps her head while others blow their cool

CHIEF SECRETARY FOR Administration Anson Chan Fang On-sang has emerged as the only figure sophisticated enough in the bureaucracy to keep her head while defending the Chief Executive from accusations of suppressing academic freedom.

Some of those walking the corridor of powers are concerned that the recent waves of public discontent could degenerate into a mini Cultural Revolution for the SAR. The same people appear to have jumped to premature conclusions, even before the administration has a chance to present its case. Unlike China three decades ago, Hong Kong is not in danger of decaying into anarchy. But should public distrust be allowed to increase, the Government's ability to rule is bound to be eroded.

Instead of defusing the tension, some among the executive authorities have acted just as emotionally as some protesters. Individual officials and Executive Councillors have kept adding fuel to the flames. They have been practising the reverse of what they have been preaching about public trust and harmony.

The issue was sparked by pollster Dr Robert Chung Ting-yiu's controversial article in the South China Morning Post on July 7, in which he claimed he had been told by a 'third party' that Tung Chee-hwa did not like his polls and wanted them top stop. Mr Tung has denied directly or indirectly putting pressure on Dr Chung, who runs the Public Opinion Programme of the University of Hong Kong's Media Studies Centre.

Mrs Chan responded by urging the pollster to substantiate his accusations. She asserted that Dr Chung was obliged to clarify the matter to stop any public speculation. Mrs Chan was cautious enough not to be drawn further than absolutely necessary.

Dr Chung subsequently conceded that he might have misunderstood the messages conveyed through what he referred to as a 'special channel'. He even pledged to apologise to Mr Tung, had he really misread the situation.