Top scholars put off by political tensions at Hong Kong University
Pressure and political tension in the city and at its oldest university deterred academics from going for the vice-chancellor job, insiders say
Growing political tensions surrounding Hong Kong and its oldest university have deterred prominent academics from applying to head the University of Hong Kong, according to people involved in the controversial selection of a British scholar as the new vice chancellor.
Their comments came amid a barrage of opposition to the new appointee, Professor Peter Mathieson, with critics questioning his academic achievements, background and vision.
"He is the best candidate according to the consensus reached in the committee," selection committee member Professor Yang Dan said.
"We don't have many choices … Hong Kong has become so politically involved," said Yang, a chemical biology professor who represented the faculties of engineering, science and architecture on the selection committee.
"A lot of academics do not want to come to Hong Kong after hearing about the city's political situation."
Student representative Laurence Tang Yat-long cited the rows over political pressure on HKU pollster Robert Chung Ting-yiu in 2000 and the visit of vice-premier Li Keqiang in 2011 as examples of "complex politics" affecting the university.