The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s legislation related to Article 23 of the Basic Law was chosen by city residents as the most influential government event in 2024, an event survey revealed on Tuesday.
Addressing the award ceremony of the poll, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the results inspired him, as the legislation was an honorable responsibility and historic mission jointly fulfilled by the government, the legislature and members of the public.
Lee added that the completion of the Article 23 legislation — a locally approved national security law, as required by the Basic Law — provides a solid guarantee for the stability and economic development of Hong Kong society, making national security more secured and social environment more stable.
The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was unanimously passed by the Legislative Council on Mar 19, 2024, and enacted four days later.
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The ordinance and the National Security Law for Hong Kong — which had been promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Jun 30, 2020 — together enhance the city’s legal framework of safeguarding national security.
The second most significant event was the emphasis of Hong Kong’s strategic position in the resolution of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. The resolution was adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in July to guide and steer Hong Kong's future development.
Other selected top-10 events include the development of the Northern Metropolis, the resumption of the multiple-entry endorsement for Shenzhen residents coming to Hong Kong, the full operation of Hong Kong International Airport’s three-runway system, the establishment of the Working Group on Patriotic Education, and the central government’s gift of a pair of giant pandas to Hong Kong.
The poll results reflect the public’s recognition of the general direction of the governance, Lee said.
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The chief executive also expressed gratitude to the central government for carrying over an array of favored policies past year, which shows staunch support to the local economy and Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center.
For the new year, Lee pledged that his administration will face its challenges, and respond to the aspirations and support of the public with concrete actions.
Speaking at the same event, Li Dahong, chairman and editor-in-chief of Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, the founding body of the annual poll, said the event also reflects the community’s expectations for future development.
Li said the new event and policies to be carried out in the coming months, including Hong Kong’s co-hosting of the National Games with Guangdong province and Macao, indicate that 2025 will be a vibrant year.
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The honorary president of the Hong Kong Federation of Journalists, Christopher Kwok Kai-wang, expressed his confidence in Hong Kong's future development and called on all sectors to continue supporting the work of the HKSAR government and to contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
Since its launch in 1998, the annual event poll has been successfully held 26 times. This year, it was co-organized by 23 media organizations, including China Daily, with residents’ participation through mail, fax, and online votings.
