[an error occurred while processing the directive] 香港大學民意研究計劃 Public Opinion Programme, The University of Hong Kong

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Press Release on November 7, 2003
 

Yesterday, Michael Wong Kin-chow resigned from his post as the Chairman of Equal Opportunities Commission. Irene L.K. Tong, Assistant Professor of the Politics and Public Administration Department of the University of Hong Kong, will publish in the "HKU POP SITE" an article entitled "(Another) 'Learning from Experience'", discussing the existing appointment regime of EOC. Key points of this article are summarized as follows:

 

Tong believed that the trouble faced by the EOC would not end with Michael Wong Kin-chow's resignation. To salvage the credibility of the EOC, a review of the appointment regime is vital. The government should learn from this experience before appointing another chairperson.

 

Tong pointed out that, the function of EOC is not only for the implementation of the three anti-discrimination ordinances, "it has to make sure that the government abides by these ordinances." Tong wrote, "For the EOC to function properly, the pre-requisite is to have a government that is open enough to allow itself to be bitten, even though it is the hand that feeds the EOC." Tong believed that the existence of bodies such as the EOC is crucial to a government that lacks popular mandate. "Not only does the EOC increase the government's credibility locally, it also helps to enhance the SAR's image internationally. Thus, the chairperson of such an organization must not only possess adequate knowledge, sensitivity, and vision about equal opportunities, but must also exhibit independent thinking, openness, and courage to confront the powers-that-be… It is not necessary to appoint someone who shares the same views as the Chief Executive."

 

Note: The Chinese version of this article is published concurrently by the "HKU POP SITE" (http://hkupop.pori.hk)and Hong Kong Economic Journal. Please note that everything carried in the POP Site does not represent the stand of the University of Hong Kong. Dr Robert Ting-Yiu Chung, Director of Public Opinion Programme, is responsible for everything posted herewith, except for column articles which represent the stand of their authors.

 

Telephone enquiry: 2859-2389； Email enquiry: ilktong@hkucc.hku.hk