HKSAR LegCo unanimously passes milestone bill to better safeguard national security

The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday passed the safeguarding national security bill, a milestone in the HKSAR's fulfillment of its constitutional duty as stipulated under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law.

The bill was passed by a unanimous vote during the third reading at the LegCo. According to the HKSAR's law-making process, when a bill has been given three readings, it becomes an ordinance enacted by the LegCo.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said after the vote that the passage of the bill is a "historic moment." "History bears witness to this important moment, witnessing our joy, inspiration and pride, and witnessing our collective contribution to the glorious history of the HKSAR," he said.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will be gazetted and take effect on March 23.

LegCo President Andrew Leung said all LegCo members are confident that after the legislation is completed, the development of the HKSAR will be more vibrant, and the future will be better.

The ordinance has nine parts, including clauses on treason, insurrection, offenses related to state secrets and espionage, and sabotage endangering national security.

Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law stipulates that Hong Kong shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the HKSAR, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the HKSAR from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies.

The ordinance fully implements constitutional responsibilities stipulated under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law and is considered crucial for fixing loopholes and weak links in the HKSAR's system to protect national security.

The legislation has been met with strong support in Hong Kong. In a public consultation conducted by the HKSAR government earlier this year, 98.6 percent of the views received showed support and gave positive comments.