President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong Zhang Xiang delivers a speech at the signing ceremony of a memorandom of understanding between HKU and Fudan University and the University of Sydney on June 26, 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

A fair and impartial investigation is the most appropriate way to look into misconduct allegations against Zhang Xiang, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, says Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

Lee said on Tuesday the probe must be based on facts and evidence, and not mere personal speculation. Any speculation and accusations by the public will not be helpful in resolving the matter.

He also said he’s confident HKU can handle its internal management matters in a proper way.

The Hong Kong University Council held a special meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss the issue, and decided to set up a five-member panel to investigate

Zhang has been at the center of multiple email complaints sent by anonymous whistle-blowers concerning improper management. They include bypassing a bidding process to purchase a HK$2-million ($256,000) BMW automobile as work vehicle, and recruiting an American headhunting firm without bidding to hire high-level university management staff.

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The university chief is also accused of inappropriate handling of donations from a Chinese mainland corporation.

The Hong Kong University Council held a special meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss the issue, and decided to set up a five-member panel to investigate. The panel is expected to submit a report within 12 weeks, after which follow-up action might be considered if necessary. 

The panel is chaired by Jimmy Ng Wing-ka, chairman of the University’s Audit Committee. Other members include Brian Stevenson and Jason Chiu Tsz-kiu. Two other non-members of the HKU Council will also be appointed.

Refuting the allegations on Monday, Zhang denounced the complaints as “deliberately distorting the facts” and “constituting serious defamation”.

He said he has engaged a team of lawyers to handle the matter and, according to their assessment, all the charges against him are “baseless and purely malicious fabrications without any factual basis”.

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Zhang said what disappointed him most was that communication between him and the HKU Council had leaked. He urged the panel to handle the incident in a “fair and just manner”.

Priscilla Wong Pui-sze, chairwoman of the HKU Council, said the council will handle the matter in the most serious and responsible way to meet the expectations of stakeholders.