The national security legislation for the HKSAR will not harm the rights and freedoms of the residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at a press conference on Tuesday.
"We are a very free society, so for the time being, people have the freedom to say whatever they want to say," Lam told reporters. "Hong Kong's vibrancy and core values in terms of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the various rights and freedoms enjoyed by people will continue to be there."
"Those concerned need to wait for the details of the proposed legislation," she stressed.
Explainer: What is the national security legislation for HKSAR?
Lam said the HKSAR government will work hard to communicate with the public on developments regarding the national security legislation, adding that there is no need to worry about rights and freedoms.
The proposed legislation, she added, "only targets a handful of law-breakers and it protects the vast majority of law-abiding, peace-loving residents."
Meanwhile, the legislation will help maintain HKSAR as a global financial center, she said.
Social security and political stability are indispensable for a financial center like Hong Kong, Lam said, adding that these can be guaranteed by establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms.
The central government has also been committed to the continued protection of the legal interests of foreign investors.
Refuting false remarks by some foreign politicians on the national security legislation, Lam said that no country would tolerate loopholes in its national security and the legislation will help ensure the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and long-term prosperity and stability of the HKSAR.
There is no contradiction between the national security legislation and the Basic Law, she said, pointing out that legislation on national security falls within a state's legislative power.
The chief executive also condemned violent acts committed during protests against the national security legislation on Sunday, and sent condolences to the two residents who were injured in the violence.