We deeply regret that the government has disregarded the opinion of their long time partners in promoting education, the School Sponsoring Bodies, and has unilaterally taken an action that radically changes the way that schools are managed. By so doing, they have seriously damaged the education system in Hong Kong, which has proven its efficiency over many decades.

Mr. Tung Che-wah said over a year ago that it was too late for him to help us. Since that time he has kept himself aloof from the issue leaving us wondering how much interest he has in education.

Our legislators have, by a majority, approved the "Education (Amendment) Bill 2002". The responsibility and power of supervising schools has been transferred from the School Sponsoring Bodies to Incorporated Management Committees in each individual school. It is difficult for us to understand how those legislators, who claim to hold the values of the free market supreme, could approve this law which favours centralisation of power.

In the process the government has irresponsibly caused much damage to our education work by creating divisions between the School Sponsoring Bodies and parents/teachers by making it appear as if we are against school based management.

Mr. Arthur Lee has gone as far as to resort to slander and personal attack. This makes it very difficult for us to offer him the respect his office deserves in our dealings with him. We feel sorry about this.

We will patiently carry on our commitment to education until we are forced to abandon it. We still believe that the Lord who loves the people of Hong Kong will eventually make up the serious damage done by the passing of this Bill in a way that is beyond our expectations.

8 July 2004