Government hits back after lawmaker James Tien claimed Hong Kong leader meddled with HKU appointment

The government has hit back at remarks by James Tien Pei-chun that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying meddled with a key appointment at a top university.

A day after Tien opened fire, the government issued a press release expressing "deep regret" over the lawmaker's comments.

"The accusation is totally unfounded," the statement reads.

Tien could not be reached for comment yesterday.

The honorary chairman of the Liberal Party, regarded as the "naughty boy" of the pro-Beijing camp, spoke on Friday about the delayed appointment of Professor Johannes Chan Man-mun, who was recommended for the role of HKU pro-vice-chancellor.

Tien, who knows many on the HKU governing council, said the government and Beijing's liaison office in the city had people lobbying council members.