Members of Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong poses for photos after pass on the third reading of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on March 19, 2024. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Lawmakers and leaders from across Hong Kong society voiced their support for the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, highlighting its unparalleled role in uniting the city and promoting economic development.

The law was unanimously passed by the city’s legislature on Tuesday with a resounding vote of 89-0, following rigorous scrutiny.

Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, a lawmaker representing the catering industry, said the law provides clear legal guidelines and strong protection for Hong Kong’s business community

Legislator Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said the current legal framework shoulders greater responsibilities compared with the unfulfilled task of 2003 — which she oversaw assecretary for security.

READ MORE: New national security ordinance a great step forward for Hong Kong

She said she was pleased to see that Hong Kong has finally fulfilled its constitutional duties, adding that if the law had been in place 21 years ago, some subversive acts could have been prevented.

Starry Lee Wai-king, chair of LegCo’s House Committee, said a national security law is important to every country in the world, and China is no exception.

Lee also emphasized that the draft legislation drew references from similar laws in various jurisdictions while maintaining Hong Kong’s unique characteristics.

Lawmaker Stanley Ng Chau-pei — who also leads the city’s largest labor union, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions — praised the unity of the legislature in supporting the bill’s passage.

He also underlined the “great importance, necessity and urgency” of the legislation, particularly in countering external anti-China forces that seek to impede the city’s development.

Ng, a bills committee member during the previous deliberations, recalled the tremendous efforts of him and his colleagues to scrutinize the legislation as swiftly as possible for an early enactment.

Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, a solicitor and the director of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre, said the legislation will enable the city to focus on economic growth while effectively countering external interference.

He emphasized that the proposed provisions align with international standards, ensuring the protection of State secrets without impeding normal business activities, social interactions or the political rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents.

Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, praised the transparency and fairness demonstrated throughout the legislative process to create the bill, which he said fully embodies the spirit of the rule of law

Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, a lawmaker representing the catering industry, said the law provides clear legal guidelines and strong protection for Hong Kong’s business community.

Cheung, who was also involved in the deliberations, said he believes the legislation will bring the city together to focus on economic development.

Tu Haiming, chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank, refuted criticism from Western politicians regarding the “extraterritorial effect” of the bill. 

Tu pointed out that national security laws in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada also have extraterritorial effects based on principles of personal and protective jurisdiction.

He emphasized the delicate balance in the bill between upholding national security, protecting individual rights, and deterring acts that jeopardize national security. Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said the legislation could solidify business and financial sector confidence in Hong Kong.

READ MORE: Central govt lauds passage of safeguarding national security bill

He added that its completion will create a stable business environment, attract more foreign investment and contribute to the city’s advancement from stability to prosperity.

Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, praised the transparency and fairness demonstrated throughout the legislative process to create the bill, which he said fully embodies the spirit of the rule of law.

Lo also highlighted the public consultation and rigorous deliberations by the Legislative Council, which he said helped to dispel public doubts.

Contact the writers at williamxu@chinadailyhk.com