(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said today that it is imperative to complete the scrutiny of two pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance as early as possible to ensure legal certainty.

A Legislative Council subcommittee completed the negative vetting of the subsidiary legislation on May 15.

Ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee pointed out that national security risks are like viruses, adding that the risks always exist around us and are poised to cause harm.

“The world is currently undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace. Geopolitics is complex, and global instability is growing.

“It is imperative to complete the scrutiny of the subsidiary legislation as early as possible to ensure legal certainty.”

The Chief Executive also made it clear that the subsidiary legislation does not grant new powers to the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

“It provides a clearer and more detailed description of the powers that already exist under the present law, thereby increasing legal certainty and precision,” he explained.

Mr Lee added that he appreciates the work of the LegCo subcommittee for its serious and rigorous scrutiny of the subsidiary legislation.

More than five hours were spent on the negative vetting process, during which LegCo members raised over 150 questions and opinions.

Furthermore, Mr Lee commended the government team for their work in providing detailed explanations and responses to LegCo members’ extensive and in-depth questions and comments.