120 HK reps offer suggestions on national security law

The Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee held 12 seminars in Hong Kong on Tuesday to solicit opinions from various local sectors on the draft law on safeguarding national security in the special administrative region.

The Commission, with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, heard suggestions from 120 representatives from Hong Kong's political, legal, business, financial, educational, technological, cultural and religious communities, as well as social organizations and regional groups.

Participants unanimously expressed support for the draft law and said the law's enactment would fix legal loopholes and the lack of sufficient enforcement systems in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR.

It would help maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and ensure the smooth course of the "one country, two systems" principle, they said, adding that they hope the law will be promulgated and take effect as soon as possible.

While attending the seminars, officials and legislators with the central authorities said the legislation will strictly follow the "one country, two systems" principle and will take into account the needs and requirements for safeguarding national security, and the differences between the two legal systems, as well as Hong Kong's actual situation.

The legislation will not only be in line with the Constitution, Hong Kong Basic Law and other national laws that protect national security, but also be compatible with and complement Hong Kong's existing legal system.

To ensure that this law will be effectively implemented in the HKSAR, it is indispensable for the central government to retain jurisdiction over certain criminal cases that seriously endanger national security under specific circumstances, they said.

The legislation will only target a very few people that threaten national security and will protect the majority of Hong Kong residents, they added.

The new law will ensure that the capitalist system in Hong Kong remains unchanged, the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people are not impaired, Hong Kong's judicial independence is guaranteed, and foreigners' legal rights in Hong Kong are untouched to maintain the confidence of foreign investors.

Officials and legislators with the central authorities said the national security law will focus on solving the prominent problems of the HKSAR in safeguarding national security to effectively prevent, prohibit and punish any secessionist and subversive activities against State power, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces in a legal way.

For the vast majority of Hong Kong residents, this legislation will serve as a guardian for them to fully enjoy the advantages of the "one country, two systems" principle and to live and work in a safer, more stable and harmonious social environment, they said.