Many pro-democracy figures believed the government intervention on the examination system is reflecting the Central government growing influence in Hong Kong's local affairs. Many teachers from the Pro-Democracy HKPTU expressed their concern about the eroding academic freedom.
Democracy advocates viewed the government's involvement in the examination system as an indication of the Central government's growing influence over Hong Kong's internal affairs. The Pro-Democracy HKPTU teachers were concerned about the erosion of their academic freedom and the loss of autonomy.