University of strife: Lingnan's new council member Junius Ho Kwan-yiu never far from controversy

Often a controversial figure, outspoken solicitor Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, who was recently appointed a member of the governing council of Lingnan University, once again finds himself in troubled waters. Even before his three-year term starts on Thursday, Ho has already made himself an object of derision among students.

The university student union has planned a protest against Ho's appointment today, with the council due to meet, and union president Philip Lau Chun-lam has spoken of a class strike and possible violence. The students also want the law to be amended so that the chief executive no longer serves as chancellor of local universities.

READ MORE: Furious students plan protest over appointments

Speculating as to why the government appointed a man known for his bitter criticism of Lingnan's student union to the council easily leads to conspiracy theories that it is a bid to interfere with university autonomy and academic freedom.

There is also the belief among some that Beijing wants the Leung Chun-ying government to tighten its grip on youth affairs following last year's student-led Occupy protests, which Ho opposed by setting up his own "Protect Central" group.

"I find these theories puzzling. I will not sit in the classroom. I will not sit in on the student union. I am just appointed to be a member of the council. How can I interfere with the institutional autonomy or academic freedom?" Ho, 53, said in defence of his appointment.

READ MORE: 'Political rewards' spurred controversial appointments, students say

At yesterday's RTHK City Forum, Ho also urged students to take a more objective view of his position. "My belief is that [my appointment] is definitely not [a political move]. I participate in charity work …work with educational groups from primary, secondary and even kindergarten level. My appointment is definitely appropriate," said Ho.