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

     The President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, today (December 30) issued a statement, welcoming the interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) of the provisions of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Law). Mr Leung said that the interpretation has manifested the legislative intent of the Law in safeguarding national security, and further ensured the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems" for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

     Mr Leung pointed out that the Hong Kong National Security Law is a national law, and the power of its interpretation is vested in the NPCSC. The interpretation of the Law by the NPCSC is part of the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) under "one country, two systems". The interpretation can clarify the legislative intent and objectives of relevant provisions of the Law, thereby eliminating uncertainties in the law enforcement procedures and ensuring the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the Law. It is also an important step towards the effective implementation of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security as stipulated in the Report to the 20th National Congress.

     Mr Leung also said that the NPCSC's interpretation of Article 14 and Article 47 of the Hong Kong National Security Law can further strengthen the primary responsibility of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR in safeguarding national security. The interpretation meets the fundamental and overall interest of the country and Hong Kong. It will facilitate a more accurate understanding and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law by the HKSAR, thereby averting the risks of endangering national security. The clear explanation and illustration made by the NPCSC has helped alleviate unnecessary concerns and is conducive to the business and investment environment.

     Mr Leung said that the Hong Kong National Security Law has been implemented for more than two years, which quickly restored the social order. As the head of the HKSAR and the Chairperson of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, the Chief Executive's recommendation of putting forward a request to the NPCSC to interpret the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law is an important move to safeguard the authority of the Law. If the bill to amend the Legal Practitioners Ordinance is introduced, LegCo will examine the relevant provisions in detail.

     Mr Leung also stressed that the top priority of the principle of "one country, two systems" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. According to Article 3 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the executive authorities, legislature and judiciary of the HKSAR shall effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for any act or activity endangering national security in accordance with the Law and other relevant laws. As the legislature of the HKSAR, LegCo is firmly committed to safeguarding national security for the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

Ends/Friday, December 30, 2022
Issued at HKT 23:53

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