Hong Kong government announces plan to advise publishers of liberal studies textbooks, citing the protests as a reason
The Education Bureau announced the plan, saying some are concerned certain books are misleading students and spreading bias
In July, former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa blamed liberal studies for encouraging violent protests among Hong Kong youngsters.A plan announced by the Hong Kong government to advise publishers of liberal studies texbooks has brought about mixed reactions. Some fear it could lead to political censorship, while others think it is a step in the right direction.
The Education Bureau announced the plan on Monday, citing worries among a section of the public that certain liberal studies textbooks “have misled students and spread hatred and bias” amid the ongoing social unrest.
The bureau also said it would consider the possibility of requiring publishers to submit their liberal studies textbooks for scrutiny in the long run, to eventually come up with a list of recommended textbooks.
Teachers want liberal studies to remain compulsory, but students have mixed feelings
Former Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa, now vice-chairman of China’s top political advisory body, in July blamed liberal studies, which aims to enhance students’ social awareness, for encouraging violent protests among youngsters. But education officials refuted the criticism.
The bureau on Tuesday said it took the decision after discussing with the members of the Hong Kong Association of Professional Education Publishing, who supported the move. It also assured that the advisory would not involve any political consideration.
Seven publishers that the SCMP tried to contact over the matter either declined to comment or could not be reached by press time.
Ip Kin-yuen, the lawmaker who represents the education sector, said: “The current political sentiment naturally makes us worry that this [move] may involve political censorship. The Education Bureau needs to provide more details to eliminate citizens’ concerns.”
He admitted that information on who would offer the advice, the criteria for the textbooks, as well as whether the consultation would affect the sales of the books, were crucial.
Another liberal studies teacher, Cheung Yui-fai, found the entire consultation process “an unnecessary arrangement”.
“We have noticed some unexpected content in certain liberal studies textbooks, which makes us worry that they may mislead young people,” the New Territories School Heads Association said in a statement on Tuesday.