Editorial | HKU panel needs to reach fair conclusion
- Investigation into university president, who denies claims made against him, must put politics and personal matters aside to ensure just outcome
The University of Hong Kong is no stranger to controversies, the latest involving serious accusations of mismanagement against its president. While Professor Xiang Zhang vehemently denies what he deems to be defamatory charges, a five-member investigative panel has been appointed by the governing body of HKU in accordance with its policy.
Given the gravity of the matter, it is important that the probe is thorough and the outcome fair and just.
The way the dispute came to light has fuelled much speculation. Details of anonymous email complaints and the request for legal representation by Zhang were leaked to the media ahead of a special university council meeting on the issue.
There have also been reports of growing tensions between Zhang and the council.
Urging the public not to jump to conclusions, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said speculation or accusations based on individual feelings would not help resolve the situation. Council chairwoman Priscilla Wong Pui-sze said the panel would reach its findings through an “evidence-based investigation in an unbiased manner”.