Three lawmakers who sit on the governing body of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) said they respect the decision of vice-chancellor Rocky Tuan to step down, adding that his departure has nothing to do with them.

Tuan said on Tuesday that it was time for him to go after Legco approved a shake-up of the university's governance last year, reducing the size of the CUHK Council and introducing more external members.

Lawmaker Tommy Cheung, one of those who supported the reforms, said the lawmakers had been working for the benefit of CUHK and did not target anyone.

"I don't feel like I was fighting a war," he told reporters on Wednesday, adding that the reforms were about improving corporate governance at the university.

Cheung also said he did not see Tuan's departure as "a win" for the lawmakers.

"The new formation of the university council is no different than the other seven UGC (University Grants Committee-funded) universities. President Tuan resigned and I think we have to respect his decision," he said.

"My colleagues and I firmly believe that the Chinese University will move forward in a very big way, both in terms of teaching and research."

Legislators Lau Kwok-fan and Bill Tang, who are also members of the CUHK Council, echoed Cheung's views.

Tang said he is thankful to Tuan for leading the university and maintaining its good academic ranking.

Lau said it will take about six to nine months to hire a new vice-chancellor, and that he is confident Tuan will enable a smooth transition before he leaves in January 2025.

Separately, Secretary for Education Christine Choi said she doesn't believe Tuan’s resignation has to do with the restructuring of the CUHK Council.

“Vice-chancellor Tuan is a member of the council, so it is not like he only found out now about the restructuring of the council, or its direction and objectives… I believe this is his personal choice, I don’t think the two are related,” she said.
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Last updated: 2024-01-10 HKT 16:58