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Expert: Don't worry about security law

China Daily | Updated: 2020-06-20 09:51
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The Chinese national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region fly above the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, China, Aug 5, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Statistics from Macao have proved that the special administrative region's National Security Law has aided the city's development, not impeded it. This runs contrary to what fearmongers have been saying about a similar proposed law for Hong Kong, said a drafter of both SARs' basic laws.

This should give confidence to the people of Hong Kong regarding the proposed law, which is currently being discussed by the Standing Committee of the nation's top legislature in Beijing, said Luo Weijian, director of the University of Macau's Centre for Constitutional Law and Basic Law Studies.

Macao's experience shows Hong Kong that it is completely feasible to reach a balance between safeguarding national security and people's legitimate rights and freedoms, Luo said in an interview with China Daily.

Enacted in 2009, Macao's National Security Law prohibits seven acts that threaten national security, namely: treason, secession, subversion of the central government, sedition, theft of state secrets, collusion with foreign groups to jeopardize national security and acts against national security committed by foreign political organizations or groups in Macao.

A single offense can lead to a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment, while multiple violations are liable to 30 years in prison.

The strict law has created a relatively stable social environment for Macao society during the past decade, which contributed to economic development and improved livelihoods, Luo said.

Macao's GDP has surged 1.5 times from MOP$171 billion ($21 billion) in 2009 to 434 billion in 2019. It's GDP per capita ranked among the world's highest last year at US$79,977. The SAR's unemployment rate recorded a 10-year low in 2019. More and more people are coming to Macao for business, sightseeing and to enjoy its world-class services.

Over the past decade, Macao worked hard to improve its social welfare system covering education, medical services and employment, Luo said.

The SAR's National Security Law also guaranteed people's legitimate freedoms and rights, especially freedom of expression, Luo said.

The number of Macao's nongovernmental organizations and civil groups has doubled from 5,000 in 2009 to about 10,000 in 2019. Local residents also continue to enjoy the right to participate in lawful public rallies and processions.

All of these facts prove that the National Security Law didn't hinder social development or hamper people's freedoms and rights in Macao, Luo said. He hopes Macao's experience could put Hong Kong people at ease about the proposed law.

Luo added that Macao's practice in carrying out its National Security Law could offer some reference for the drafting of Hong Kong's counterpart.

Macao has a relatively clear definition of which crimes endanger national security and has in place designated police units to handle related crimes.

In addition, it also set up a high-level committee led by the Macao SAR chief executive to coordinate cooperation among different governmental departments.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress began deliberating the draft national security law for Hong Kong on Thursday. The draft clarifies what constitutes criminal acts and their relevant legal liabilities. The crimes are secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with external forces that endanger national security.

Luo said that in view of the escalating violence and separatism advocacy by Hong Kong protesters, a strict law is needed to serve as a deterrence in the HKSAR.

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