Security bill advances to second reading amid broad support

Special legislative session convened because of ‘urgency, necessity’ of law

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong will resume its second reading of the proposed Safeguarding National Security Ordinance today.

Meanwhile, a survey indicated that a majority of community members recognize that the legislation is a constitutional responsibility of the city and does not undermine basic rights.

Lawmakers will convene for an additional assembly on Tuesday morning to review the bill and the 91 amendments put forward by the government. Normally, full-council meetings take place on Wednesdays.

LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said on Monday that the special meeting was called considering the urgency and necessity of the proposed law.

The bill, legislated according to Article 23 of the Basic Law, seeks to prohibit five acts that endanger national security while updating provisions within existing laws. Last week, a designated bills committee completed a weeklong clause-by-clause examination of the bill and approved a revised draft with its suggestions.

Leung, along with the LegCo House Committee, supported a government request to expedite the legislative process so there could be an early resumption of the second-reading debate, including waiving a customary notice period and scheduling a special meeting on Tuesday.

By the government’s requested Saturday noon deadline, no amendments were submitted by lawmakers for the second-reading debate.

Leung said no time limit will be set for the deliberation process. However, he highlighted the importance of completing the legislation as early as possible to address national security concerns.

If the bill is approved in a vote following the second-reading debate, it will proceed to the Committee of the Whole Council, with whose approval it will undergo third-reading deliberation and voting. Finally, the bill needs to be signed by the chief executive and reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for the record and enactment as law.

Wide support

During a Monday economic forum, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the ordinance will help maintain Hong Kong’s safe environment and its appeal to global talent.

According to feedback gathered by the government, security is one of the key factors for those choosing to live in Hong Kong, in addition to job opportunities and its low tax rate, said Chan.

Also on Monday, a survey revealed that around 72 percent of Hong Kong residents agreed that the city has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, while 67 percent said they believed that the legislation will not undermine their basic rights.

The survey was conducted by the Hong Kong Research Association via phone calls from March 5 to 12. The bill was submitted by the government on March 8.

Among the 1,034 respondents aged 18 and above, 55 percent said they were satisfied with the government’s publicity and explanation of the legislation.

Based on the survey results, the association urged lawmakers scrutinizing the bill to carefully study the provisions to ensure a balance between safeguarding national security and protecting human rights.