Law-abiding residents have nothing to fear: Matthew Cheung

Law-abiding residents and investors have nothing to fear about the national security legislation for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), which will guarantee Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, said Matthew Cheung, chief secretary for administration of China's HKSAR, urging residents not to be bewitched by rumors.

The legitimate rights, interests, freedoms and core value of Hong Kong residents are fully protected and the principles of "One Country, Two Systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy are applied in Hong Kong without distortion, Cheung underscored in an online article on Sunday.

The HKSAR government will comprehensively cooperate on the drafting of related laws, establishing and improving enforcement mechanisms, strengthening law enforcement capability and launching national security education, he stressed.

Three reasons why HK security legislation needed now

Cheung also called on various sectors of Hong Kong to actively express their opinions on the legislation, promising firm cooperation on the national security legislation to make sure the "One Country, Two Systems" principle is fully implemented in the city.

Highlighting the significance of stability, safety and security to Hong Kong's global competitiveness, Cheung said that if unrest and chaos continue, efforts to push Hong Kong forward will be made in vain.

In the article, Cheung also stressed the importance of national security education for the public, particularly among young people.

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Meanwhile, Hong Kong residents from all walks of life have voiced support for the national security legislation for the HKSAR.

On June 1, nearly 2.93 million Hong Kong residents signed a petition in support of the national security legislation during an eight-day campaign across the city.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: File photo of Matthew Cheung addressing a press conference in Hong Kong, China. /Xinhua)