National security legislation ‘in the city’s interests’

The president and lawmakers of the Legislative Council on Friday expressed their support for the decision by the nation’s top legislature to introduce a national security law in the SAR, saying it was in the overall interests of Hong Kong residents.

Their remarks came after the draft decision on national security legislation in Hong Kong was submitted to the National People’s Congress.

The proposed law aims to prohibit activities which divide the country, subvert State power and carry out terrorism, while upholding the “one country, two systems” principle and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents.

President of Legislative Council of Hong Kong Andrew Leung Kwanyuen stressed that national security is fundamental to the well-being of the general public, adding that a stable environment will contribute to the city’s economic development and to people’s livelihoods.

Leung added that the NPC was exercising its legislative functions conferred by the Constitution, and formulating laws in light of the latest developments in Hong Kong. The decision is in the overall interests of the country, including Hong Kong, Leung said.

A total of 41 legislators also expressed support for the national security bill. In a joint statement, they said the move will help maintain Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, protect Hong Kong people’s legitimate rights and freedoms, and uphold the “one country, two systems” principle.

Hong Kong has failed to fulfill its obligations by enacting Article 23 of the Basic Law through local legislation in the past 23 years, they said.

The absence of a national security law in Hong Kong has caused serious harm to the Hong Kong community and jeopardized the safety and welfare of 1.4 billion Chinese people, the lawmakers said.

The emerging “separatism and localism” as well as the use of violence and terrorism in Hong Kong, had posed great threats to national security, they said.

As the highest organ of State power, the NPC is endowed with the constitutional power and responsibility to safeguard national security and people’s safety, said Martin Liao Cheung-kong, convener of proestablishment lawmakers.

Lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Sukyee, founding chairperson of the New People’s Party, also welcomed the NPC’s decision. She said it would plug legal loopholes in Hong Kong — which has no anti-subversion laws.

Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok, who is also chairman of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, said the bill will help the city restore peace and social stability after last year’s protracted violence and chaos.