Fung Wai-wah says the new textbook "is based on the principle of neutrality". A new secondary school textbook on political reform has been released by the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union.
From Democratic Elections to Chief Executive Election Plans in 2017 Course writer Fong King-lok, who is director of the union, said most secondary school students today will be old enough to vote in the 2017 elections. Fong said in the book's preface: "Will they vote? Who will they vote for? This will be an important political decision and they will take part in deciding Hong Kong's future.
"It's the teachers' right to teach the students about political reform."
Fung Wai-wah, president of the union, said that two hard copies will be sent to each secondary school in Hong Kong, and free soft copies can be downloaded from the union's website.
"It's definitely not brainwashing," Fung said. He said teachers are free to decide whether or not to use the textbook and how to use it. "The textbook is based on the principle of neutrality to present facts and different opinions," Fung said.