HK to remain a free society: CE

May 22, 2020

(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said Hong Kong will remain a free society, but if national security is not protected, many of the things that the city treasures will be lost.

 

Mrs Lam made the statement when she met the media this evening.

 

She said: “Hong Kong will remain to be a very free society where freedom of expression, freedom of protest, freedom of journalism will stay because these are the core values of Hong Kong and are very much protected by the Basic Law.

 

“The important thing is for the people of Hong Kong to realise that without protection of national security, many of the things that we enjoy, many of the things that we treasure will be lost."

 

Mrs Lam also said she has made attempts to create a more conducive atmosphere for enacting local legislation for national security under Article 23 of the Basic Law.

 

“But unfortunately, despite a pretty peaceful start for a while, the relationship turned very difficult once we touched on sensitive issues that have a Mainland angle.

 

“Since we could not do it, I don't think we could do it in the foreseeable future, both in the executive as well as the legislature.

 

“I'm not giving up, but there is now another way of ensuring that Hong Kong will have the necessary legislation and the safeguards in place for national security.”

Back to top