Hong Kong's chief executive Tung Chee-hwa (
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dr Robert Chung Ting-yao (
Chung, the director of the public opinion program at the university, made the original allegation in a column in the South China Morning Post one week ago.
At that time he referred to the third party as a "special channel" who was acting on Tung's behalf but refused to divulge who it was.
He decided to call a press conference after mounting pressure from Tung's supporters and several Executive Council members to name names.
Vice Chancellor Cheng is a controversial figure, known for his pro-Beijing stance. He was formerly one of China's Hong Kong affairs advisers and is a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
Tung last week vehemently denied any knowledge of pressuring Chung, telling a business forum: "I have not asked anyone and I have not authorized anyone to ask any institution, university or poll-takers to stop taking polls."
The renewed accusation comes at a time when Tung is struggling to maintain his sliding popularity.
Earlier this week, he went on walkabout in a busy shopping area in a public relations exercise aimed at bolstering his flagging image.
But Dr Chung's comments could now leave him facing the biggest crisis of his leadership.
Speaking at the press conference, an emotional Chung, who came across as a shy academic, said he had been called into the vice chancellor's office in January last year and asked how he conducted his surveys.
Later, he said Deputy Vice Chancellor Huang told him Tung did not like the way he conducted his polls and in November asked him when he was going to stop.
Chung's department has carried out several polls on the government, many of which have turned out negative. One published last December showed Tung's popularity at its lowest since he took office.
A spokesperson for Hong Kong University denied any pressure had been put on Chung but said it would hold an inquiry into the allegations.
Yesterday, editorials in several of Hong Kong's major newspapers demanded a thorough investigation of the issue. The Hong Kong Economic Journal, fearing a cover-up, suggested the investigation commission be made up of respected social figures and students from the University of Hong Kong -- to ensure the investigation is credible.
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