Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu inspects the passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College, Hong Kong, July 9, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu encouraged police graduates to live up to the expectations of President Xi Jinping and dedicate themselves to safeguarding national security and maintaining Hong Kong’s stability.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the Hong Kong Police College on Saturday, Lee said a stable society could promote Hong Kong’s long-term development and ensure the steady and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".
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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks during the passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College, Hong Kong, July 9, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
Lee said that, as Xi mentioned in his speech on July 1, "Hong Kong cannot afford to be in chaos", thus precautions are necessary.
He added that stability is the foundation of everything, adding that development will be impossible and the true value of people's aspirations will not be brought into play without stability.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (second right), accompanied by Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee (first right), meets graduates after the passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College, Hong Kong, July 9, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
While recalling that Hong Kong had encountered unprecedented difficulties and shocks in 2019, Lee said that it was heartbreaking to see the extensive damage to Hong Kong caused by the riots and interferences by external forces.
He praised the police force for always standing fast and fulfilling duties without fear despite the challenges over the past few years.
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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (fourth left) and Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee (second left) congratulate probationary inspectors after the passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College, Hong Kong, July 9, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
He noted that safety has been restored after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The force has made remarkable achievements in strictly enforcing the law and proactively promoting the concept of law-abiding, as the number of cases of wounding, serious assault, snatching, pickpocketing fell to the lowest in a decade, he said.
It is the first time that the Chinese-style foot drill has been adopted in the passing-out parade of the Hong Kong Police College. A total of 31 probationary inspectors and 83 recruit constables passed out on Saturday.