There have been frequent accusations directed at the Director of Public Opinion Prgramme at the University of Hong Kong, Robert Chung, for putting forward a "civil referendum project" after his secret meeting with former Chief Secretary David Ford in November last year, implying that Robert Chung is colluding with foreign influences. Although Robert Chung has repeatedly denied such allegation every time he was asked, such rumours could still be seen in column articles up till today and this has also caught the attention of foreign press. Robert Chung therefore would like to put on record the following public statement:
- I do not know David Ford and I have never met him. I have no idea whether Ford had visited Hong Kong or not, and I have no interest in knowing whether Ford is a foreign intelligence member or not. I have neither directly nor indirectly communicated with Ford.
- The "civil referendum" project was actually one of the many post-modern experimental projects listed in the 80th anniversary celebration of the University of Hong Kong 20 years ago. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with foreign influences.
- I have publicly indicated on December 29, 2011 that I welcome all serious discussions on the methodology of public opinion research, but they should remain on the academic level and should not have any political concern.
- I have always maintained that Cultural Revolution styled curses and defamations, no matter at whom they are directed, are not conducive to the building of Chinese national identity among Hong Kong people.
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