EditorialExam paper row yet another lesson in why truth must prevail
- Answers are needed after question relating to relations with Japan in the early 20th century is condemned by all parties, including the foreign ministry
Yet another row has erupted in the education sector after an exam paper asked students of history whether Japan “did more good than harm to China” in the early 20th century.
The clearly objectionable question in the Diploma of Secondary Education test not only calls into question the mechanism of setting such papers, but also the role of the government and the wider problems with education in Hong Kong.
The severity of the matter was reflected in the swift criticism from Beijing’s foreign ministry, which warned education could not run out of control like a “chicken coop without a flap”, a phrase reportedly used by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor when she hit out at the city’s education problems in a media interview.
The Education Bureau also issued a statement criticising the question, saying it hurt the feelings and dignity of Chinese people. Yesterday, it went further and told the Examinations and Assessment Authority to strike it out altogether.
In addition to investigating whether the history paper was set in accordance with requirements, the existing mechanism will also be reviewed.
Critics believe the government has overreacted, saying it is under pressure to show political correctness on issues of sovereignty and nationalism. But this does not mean that such a paper can be justified; atrocities carried out by the Japanese during World War II essentially leave no room for debate.