Chief Executive John Lee today signed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance passed by the Legislative Council in accordance with the Basic Law Article 48(3).

The ordinance will officially take effect upon gazettal tomorrow, ensuring the effective protection of national security.

Mr Lee stressed that the passing of the ordinance signifies that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility as stipulated in the Basic Law Article 23 to enact local legislation to safeguard national security, and that it has accomplished a historic mission, living up to the trust placed in it by the central authorities and the country.

He pointed out that the completion of the legislation is essential to the implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”, ensuring the effective protection of the national security of “one country” and the long-term prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong SAR under “two systems”.

He stressed that the ordinance will bring safety to society, along with stability and prosperity, and that a safe and stable environment will make Hong Kong an attractive place for enterprises and investment.

While safeguarding security, the ordinance ensures human rights and freedoms are protected, he added, stressing that the principles of protecting human rights and freedoms are clearly and explicitly stipulated in the legal provisions.

Under the ordinance, human rights are to be respected and protected, and the rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law, and under the provisions of two international covenants as applied to the Hong Kong SAR – namely the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights – are to be protected in accordance with the law.

Mr Lee also highlighted that the ordinance ensures property and investments in the Hong Kong SAR are protected by law.

The ordinance fully implements the requirements set out in the Basic Law Article 23, the Decision of the National People’s Congress on Establishing & Improving the Legal System & Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong SAR to Safeguard National Security, and the National Security Law, for improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong SAR to safeguard national security.

Mr Lee outlined that the Hong Kong SAR Government will discharge its responsibilities and diligently carry out its work under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. It will also continue to enhance public education and publicity to deepen public understanding of the necessity of safeguarding national security and its pivotal role in maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive said that from tomorrow the national security of the Hong Kong SAR will be more effectively safeguarded, allowing Hong Kong to move forward.

He added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to lead Hong Kong with a focus on economic development, improving people’s livelihoods, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city, with a view to creating a brighter and more prosperous future.