Published: 09:25, March 23, 2024 | Updated: 17:49, March 23, 2024
HK leader John Lee signs new security ordinance
By China Daily

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu signs the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which was passed by the Legislative Council on March 22, 2024, in accordance with Article 48(3) of the Basic Law. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu signed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on Friday, following its passage by the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

The ordinance will come into effect upon gazettal on Saturday, marking a significant step in the city’s commitment to protecting national security.

“From tomorrow on, the national security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be more effectively safeguarded, allowing Hong Kong to move forward without worries or burden,” Lee said in a government statement on Friday.

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Describing the progress as “a historic mission accomplished”, Lee said that the legislation signifies the HKSAR’s fulfillment of its constitutional responsibilities under Article 23 of the Basic Law, “living up to the trust placed in us by the central authorities and the country".

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will bring safety to society. With safety comes stability; with stability comes prosperity.

John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive, HKSAR

He added that such legislation is essential to the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle and ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.      

By creating a secure and stable environment, the ordinance will help maintain Hong Kong’s status as a desirable location for global enterprises and investments, he said.

Lee highlighted the ordinance’s protection of human rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law and related international covenants, while also protecting property and investment in the city.

Upon its enactment, the government will assume responsibility for implementing the ordinance, while continuing to raise public awareness of the need to safeguard national security.

The chief executive pledged the government’s focus on economic development, improving people's livelihoods, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city, envisioning a “brighter and more abundant future together”.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will take effect upon gazettal on March 23, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Article 23 of the Basic Law, which is the constitutional document of the HKSAR, requires that the SAR government enact laws to safeguard national security. However, the SAR government’s first attempt to enact such legislation in 2003 failed. 

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The new ordinance was drafted following a monthlong public consultation and submitted to the legislature on March 8. Based on cross-sector consensus on the importance of the law’s early enactment, the legislature fast-tracked the legislation with tightly scheduled deliberative meetings and an additional assembly for the second and third readings on the day of its adoption.