The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     Following is the remarks by the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, on the passage of the Decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security by the National People's Congress (NPC) at the LegCo Complex today (May 28):

     The NPC adopted a Decision today to authorise the NPC Standing Committee to formulate relevant laws on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security.

     I am supportive of the NPC's Decision to safeguard national security and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, in the light of Hong Kong's current specific situation.

     The relevant laws target those acts of secession, subverting state power, organising and carrying out terrorist activities, as well as activities of foreign and external forces to interfere in the affairs of the HKSAR.

     I am glad to see the explanations by both the Central Government and the HKSAR Government that the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong remains unchanged.  The rights and freedom enjoyed by Hong Kong people and international investors in accordance with the law, including freedom of procession, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of publication and of the press, and our daily life will not be affected.

     I believe the Decision will benefit Hong Kong's economic development, better safeguard people's livelihood and properties, and ensure the well-being of the community.  I hope the Executive Authorities will work hard in explaining the relevant issues to address the concerns of Hong Kong citizens and the international community.  We should also keep an open mind and adopt a pragmatic attitude towards this legislative work.

Ends/Thursday, May 28, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:09

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