Questions asked over allowance used to buy $13m luxury Kowloon Tong flat
Academics and legislators have hit out at high salaries earned by university heads, especially that of Polytechnic University president Poon Chung-kwong, who receives a monthly allowance of $177,000 on top of his salary of $181,700, according to the Audit Commission report.
Professors Tsui Lap-chee and Ambrose King Yeo-chee, vice-chancellors of the University of Hong Kong and Chinese University of Hong Kong, are paid within salary bands of $210,000 to $230,000 a month. Their basic wage, according to the government's directorate pay scale, should be $181,700. The difference comprises negotiated cash top-ups.
Paul Chu Ching-wu, president of the University of Science and Technology, has his monthly pay topped up by $70,000 to $250,000.
Legislator Wong Wang-fat criticised the practice of topping up already high salaries. 'The prestige of a vice-chancellor's job is already a reward. The sector could become corrupt if staff with connections can get higher salaries,' he said.
Professor Poon has his salary topped-up by $177,000 - $39,000 a month to bring it to the same level as HKU and CUHK wages and $138,000 in housing and leave benefits. PolyU council chairman Sir Gordon Wu Ying-sheung said a seven-member council committee approved the package.
Professor Poon purchased a luxury flat in Kowloon Tong for $13 million several years ago and his allowance covers his mortgage payments. He said this week that the council's decision to grant the allowance meant he could keep the apartment after he retired.