Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks at the opening session of the 16th Asian Financial Forum at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, Hong Kong on Jan 11, 2023. (PHOTO/ HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday said full and accurate implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong is a must to ensure that the good mechanism of “one country, two systems” is upheld in the long-term.
Lee made these remarks after attending a high-level forum, held both in-person and online, in Beijing and Hong Kong with other Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government officials. During the forum, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, gave a speech on the implementation of the NSL.
Lee, as chairperson of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR, pledged to spare no efforts in safeguarding national security.
In a social media post, Lee cited Xia for saying that a full and accurate implementation of the NSL, which provides solid safeguards for national security and the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, is a must to ensure the “one country, two systems” mechanism is upheld in the long-term.
The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success, and safeguarding national security, safety and development interests is the overarching principle for “one country, two systems”, Lee said.
ALSO READ: Xia: NSL serves in best interests of Hong Kong public
Chief Executive John Lee said the rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success, and safeguarding national security, safety and development interests is the overarching principle for “one country, two systems”
As Xia mentioned in his speech, the promulgation of the NSL is a milestone in the implementation of “one country, two systems” and the HKSAR should deepen its understanding of the legislative intent and gist of the law to ensure full and accurate implementation of the NSL.
Lee said the latest interpretation of Articles 14 and 47 of the NSL by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) has provided clear solutions to the problems which may occur during the law’s implementation and clearly states the law’s legislative intent, bestowing the HKSAR with the authority and duty to take care problems which may emerge while safeguarding national security.
Lee said the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR had convened a meeting earlier to assess developments in relation to safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and had made work plans and formulated policies for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR.
The meeting also touched on issues for advancing the development of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms of the HKSAR for safeguarding national security; and for coordinating major work and significant operations for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR.
READ MORE: Protecting national security seen as SAR's 'overarching principle'
Lee said the committee supports the government’s plans to introduce amendments to the Legal Practitioners Ordinance as soon as possible, so as to handle the matter concerning the participation of overseas lawyers who are not qualified to practice generally in Hong Kong in cases involving national security issues in an appropriate manner.
The HKSAR government will also make efforts to introduce local legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law as soon as possible.