Allegations address: Chief Executive Donald Tsang stresses academic freedom is a core value that must not be eroded.

A Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to look into the recent allegations of government officials' improper interference with the Institute of Education's academic freedom and autonomy, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

The Chief Executive has appointed Court of Appeal Vice President Justice Woo as inquiry Chairman and Commissioner. Lee Jark-pui, who has a distinguished history in legal aid and other community services, will serve as the other Commissioner.

Mr Tsang told the press today a statutory commission is necessary to establish the facts relevant to those allegations made by the Institute's Academic Vice President Bernard Luk.

On February 5, Mr Luk made a public remark that an Education & Manpower Bureau official had telephoned the institute's president, asking the institute to sack four teachers, without disclosing the full details.

Even when Secretary for Education & Manpower Prof Arthur Li was named in relevant media reports, Mr Luk chose not to make clarifications until February 7, when at last he admitted that his allegation was not leveled at Prof Li.

However, he refused to disclose the whole truth and went on attributing the responsibility to "speculative media reports". More details are available here.

Credible inquiry

Mr Tsang said apart from academics, lawmakers and the community are concerned about these allegations. The Executive Council agreed they warrant a serious, credible and independent judicial inquiry.

"We treasure academic freedom in Hong Kong. Academic freedom is a core value of ours that must not be eroded. These allegations are indeed very serious for the concerned government officials, and should not be taken lightly. I am sure the public would agree with me that we need to get to the bottom of these allegations," he added.

The commission will ascertain if there has been any improper interference with the institute's academic freedom or institutional autonomy. On the basis of its findings, the commission will recommend how the Government may give legitimate advice to the institute in future.

Full support

Prof Li welcomed the commission's appointment, adding the bureau will render full support to the commission in its inquiry proceedings to ascertain the facts of the case.

"We hope that the commission will complete its inquiry in accordance with its terms of reference as early as possible so that all parties concerned could revert to their normal duties," Prof Li said.

Transparency pledged

Justice Woo said he and Mr Lee are keenly aware of the community's concern over the matter and will do their utmost in discharging their duties.

"We will ensure that our investigation into the serious allegations are conducted with a high degree of transparency. We fully understand that the public expects us to carry out our work in an impartial and expeditious manner. We will submit our report to the Chief Executive in four months' time," Justice Woo added.