Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam defends liberal studies reform, and says subject was not meant to be debate exercise on current affairs
- Chief executive says misguided critical thinking which advocated objecting to everything about the government ‘had to be corrected’
- Lam says subject is not being withdrawn but adjustments need to be made
During appearances on several radio phone-in programmes, the Hong Kong leader said the government had no intention of withdrawing the subject entirely, but wanted to make adjustments to correct what she called “deviations” from some educational principles.
“It [the reform of liberal studies] hasn’t any political purpose, but is initiated out of educational principle issues,” she said. “We are not killing the subject. We are just seeking to make some adjustments to its curriculum.”
Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung announced on Thursday the introduction of sweeping changes to the compulsory subject, which is being taught at secondary schools as part of the university entry exam.
The new measure is expected to be implemented by the next academic year at the earliest for all Secondary Four pupils.