The staff attached their letter sent to council members, which said: 'The issue of outside interference in internal processes is deeply worrying.'

They believe, based on their sources, that Professor Morris is to be ousted to clear the way for the merger.

It was 'both disingenuous and dysfunctional' to carry out the review of the president until the merger issue had been laid out 'clearly and transparently', the 18 had told the council.

An ad-hoc committee was set up in early summer to make a recommendation on whether Professor Morris would be reappointed after his five-year term ends next September. Voting members of the council, who are appointed by government, are due to decide on December 1.

However, one of the signatories, David Grossman, dean of the faculty of languages, arts and sciences, and the representative of the academic board on the committee, confirmed that it had never met.

'There are only five of us. We have never had a face-to-face meeting,' he said. He had written to the chairman seeking a meeting but his request was declined. It would only meet on November 21, days before the vote.

He also revealed that the criteria for the reappointment were only set on November 1 and that the president was given just a 'couple of weeks' to provide a self-evaluation. Academics usually are given much more time.

Under the ordinance, staff cannot take part in interviews over the reappointment, or vote.

'I feel very frustrated,' said Professor Grossman. 'I feel he [chairman, Thomas Leung Kwok-fai] has more leeway than the ordinance in that area.'

Professor Grossman said staff feared a 'forced marriage' between the institute and Chinese University. 'That is what we are hearing from our colleagues down the road [at CUHK],' he said. 'It is not that people are opposed to a merger. We are opposed to a hostile takeover.'

The options for closer links should be discussed openly, not imposed on the institute, he said.

Professor Morris, along with Bernard Luk Hung-kay, the vice-president who is returning to Canada next year, were seen as blocks to the merger.

Dr Leung declined to be interviewed, but the acting secretary of the council, Sarah Wong, yesterday issued a statement to staff and students on his behalf.

'The review committee will ensure that the review process is thorough, fair and rigorous,' it said, with more than 20 meetings with council, staff and students.

'The evaluation criteria do not include acceptance or agreeing to a merger.' The procedure, it said, was in compliance with the institute's ordinance, and council policy.

The statement denied rumours that the institute would merge with Chinese University next year. It added: 'Should there be a possibility for deeper collaboration with CUHK, the council shall deliberate it in full, with wide consultation.'

Professor Morris said: 'I am glad to see the chairman has assured colleagues the process of my reappointment will be a fair and transparent one.' A statement from the Education and Manpower Bureau said it was up to the council to make the decision. 'The government trusts that the council will make an appropriate decision.'