In these turbulent times, we must show national unity. Global Times has reported very favourably on Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s pre-emptive return of a fellowship she was awarded by a college of the University of Cambridge. Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying has supported her decision. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah is, according to the Hong Kong government website, a fellow of King’s College, London. As in the case of Mrs Lam, British political figures have asked King’s College to remove Ms Cheng as a fellow, on the grounds that, as secretary for justice, she has been closely involved in the passage of the national security law. What is Ms Cheng waiting for? The chief executive has led the way and her predecessor has praised her for it. Global Times has set Mrs Lam’s decision in full context. Surely Ms Cheng must follow suit and resign her fellowship. In this, she will join Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu who, Global Times has pointed out, also lost their foreign honours. To wait to be criticised, to have an inquiry launched by King’s College and then to be thrown out, would be to court not only personal but also national embarrassment. Ms Cheng should deprive the so-called representatives of academic freedom of their pleasure. Paul Serfaty, Mid-Levels