Liberal Studies Under Review, Confirms Kevin Yeung

Education Secretary Kevin Yeung on Wednesday confirmed that the government is reviewing the liberal studies subject for secondary school students after a media report said the Education Bureau is planning to reduce the subject's importance.

Yeung said that curriculums of the primary and secondary schools are under review and as part of that, whether liberal studies meets its target is being examined.

Earlier a Sing Tao report had said that the administration is considering removing the subject from the core of the curriculum. The subject, which is now compulsory for senior secondary school students, may be made elective, the report said.

Liberal studies had come in for criticism from some pro-establishment figures, who say the subject has made some youngsters adopt radical political views. Others argue that by making it compulsory, less time is being devoted to studying the culture and history of China.

Yeung denied a decision has already been taken on the future of liberal studies, and said the government hasn't received any recommendations yet. But he said every subject has room for improvement.

Education sector lawmaker Ip Kin-yuen said the government should be cautious about any curriculum changes.

He said all stakeholders should be properly consulted, as any changes can have a huge impact on the public exam system and university enrolment.

Ip said he is concerned that changes would not be made in response to the education sector's wishes, but would be politically-driven due to the criticism by pro-government figures.