Solid support for security law

Survey: Majority feel implementation will help HK flourish

HONG KONG: A poll released on Wednesday showed that 66% of Hong Kong residents are in support of the implementation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The poll was conducted by Hong Kong Research Association between July 2 and July 5 through random telephone interviews with 1,097 Hong Kong residents aged at or above 18 years old.

A total of 66% of the respondents said they are “very supportive” or “supportive” of the implementation of the law in Hong Kong.

Nearly 80% of the respondents believe the implementation of the law in Hong Kong will not have a negative impact on the prospects of Hong Kong.

About 63% of those polled expressed their support for the establishment of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR.

A total of 62% of the respondents said they are “very supportive” or “supportive” of the law’s provision that the vast majority of cases concerning offences endangering national security in Hong Kong will be handled by HKSAR and the central authorities retain the jurisdiction over a very small number of serious cases.

A similar number of respondents are in support of the provision that the HKSAR chief executive shall designate a number of judges to handle cases concerning offences that pose a danger to national security.

The Hong Kong Research Association said it is a common aspiration of the people to see the country flourishing and the people living in peace.

“Only in a secure and stable environment can Hong Kong residents’ legitimate rights and freedoms be guaranteed,” it said.

The polling agency called on the HKSAR government to strengthen public education and promotion to dispel the doubts of some Hong Kong residents and enhance people’s understanding of and support for the national security law. — Xinhua