Lawmakers raise their hands as they vote to pass a second reading of the proposed Safeguarding National Security Ordinance at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on March 19, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The forthcoming national security ordinance enables Hong Kong to focus on economic development, improve people’s livelihoods, and pave way for a better, prosperous future, representatives from various sectors said on Wednesday.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, legislated under Article 23 of the Basic Law, was passed by Hong Kong’s legislature on Tuesday and will be enacted on Saturday. The national security ordinance will prevent and punish five types of acts endangering national security in Hong Kong, including treason, theft of State secrets, and espionage.

Speaking to reporters at a flower show on Wednesday, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said Hong Kong’s future would bloom like a flower after the enactment of the ordinance. As the legislation is now complete, Chan said the HKSAR government can also invest more resources to develop the economy, improve people’s livelihoods and make Hong Kong a more livable city.

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Chan added the government will carry out more campaigns to help both the community and stakeholders better understand the ordinance.

The city’s NPC delegates believe the ordinance will integrate with the National Security Law for Hong Kong and other local laws to form a robust legal system for safeguarding national security

Hong Kong members of the National People’s Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) welcomed the ordinance on Wednesday. 

In a statement, the city’s NPC delegates said they believe the ordinance will integrate with the National Security Law for Hong Kong and other local laws to form a robust legal system for safeguarding national security, which will be essential for Hong Kong to create a stable business environment, enhance international competitiveness, promote long-term economic development and social stability, as well as better integrate into the overall development of the country.

Hong Kong members of the CPPCC National Committee said the enactment of the ordinance will further leverage Hong Kong’s advantages, greatly enhance the confidence of local and overseas investors, and provide legal support in the city’s high-quality development and opening up.

Peter Lee Ka-kit, executive director of the Henderson Land Development, one of the city’s major developers, said that the passage of the ordinance makes the Hong Kong’s law on safeguarding national security more comprehensive, which helps to lay a better foundation for city’s future development, as enterprises and investors will enjoy a more secure and stable business environment.

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Chan Chak-ming, president of The Law Society of Hong Kong, reaffirmed his confidence in Hong Kong’s solid foundation of the rule of law and its judicial independence, adding that he believed the ordinance can maintain a good balance between safeguarding national security and protecting fundamental human rights.

In this Jan 1, 2024, photo, the Chinese national and Hong Kong regional flags fly as visitors take photos at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. (SHAMIM ASHRAF / CHINA DAILY)

The Hong Kong Bar Association also stated its recognition of the importance for Hong Kong to fulfill its constitutional responsibility in safeguarding national security. The association also said it believes the legal sector will continue to serve Hong Kong faithfully.

The Hong Kong United Youth Association said in a statement that the ordinance will create a more stable legal environment for Hong Kong, which will enhance its attractiveness as an international financial center and business hub, and boost its competitiveness. Additionally, it will contribute to strengthening economic cooperation between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, promoting exchanges and integration in various fields between the two regions.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com