An advisory committee has agreed to a request from Frederick Ma, the former Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development and former Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury, to take up a post as honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong.

Mr Ma, who ceased his government services on July 12, wanted to accept the university's appointment as Honorary Professor in the School of Economics & Finance.

He has undertaken not to disclose in his lectures any confidential information obtained during his public service.

The Advisory Committee on Post-office Employment for Former Chief Executives & Politically Appointed Officials has no objection, after reckoning Mr Ma's previous official responsibilities were not related to the proposed appointment, which will be honorary and educational in nature.

It has also considered whether the appointment will constitute a conflict of interest, adversely affect or compromise the Government's performance of its functions, cause reasonable negative perception or enable the prospective employer to gain any unfair advantage over its competitors.

The appointment takes effect today.