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Lingnan University president to lead another five years amid student opposition
Student union head says protest possible when governing council meets again
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Lingnan University president Leonard Cheng Kwok-hon will lead the Hong Kong institution for another five years despite student opposition, the Post has learned.
The university’s governing council on Friday approved Cheng’s reappointment for a second consecutive five-year term, according to a source close to the body.
Cheng, a chair professor of economics, became the university’s president in 2013. His current term is due to expire in August.
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But news of his reappointment generated disapproval among some students, including those who have been at odds with him since his tenure started. Cheng was a campaign adviser to former Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying, who was elected in 2012.
Students threaten to escalate action after pro-Beijing professor set to be reappointed at Hong Kong university
The president drew flak last September for his participation in a joint statement issued by heads of local universities that condemned freedom of speech “abuses”. The statement came after signs advocating Hong Kong independence surfaced at several university campuses. Before the statement, Cheng had said it was acceptable to discuss the matter of independence at university.
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While he received unanimous support from the council to continue leading Lingnan, the decision on the length of his new term elicited support by only a simple majority.
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