Nation and freedoms secured: Secretary for Security Regina Ip says the Bill has struck a good balance between national security and the safeguarding of Hong Kong's fundamental freedoms and rights.

The blue bill detailing proposed national security laws under Basic Law Article 23 was published today for tabling at the Legislative Council.

Announcing the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill details, Secretary for Security Regina Ip said the draft legislation has taken into account public views expressed during the consultation period.

Mrs Ip reiterated that Hong Kong is not expanding Mainland laws here, but acting on its own in proposing the Bill.

"In accordance with the constitutional requirement under Article 23, Hong Kong is enacting laws on its own to protect national security," she said.

"We are making use of existing laws which already criminalise certain acts that endanger national security, and are not extending Mainland laws to Hong Kong.

"The Bill will amend three pieces of existing legislation, namely the Crimes Ordinance, the Official Secrets Ordinance and the Societies Ordinance, which already deal with some of the activities prohibited under Article 23."

In formulating the Bill, she said the Government has been careful to balance national security and the safeguarding of Hong Kong's fundamental freedoms and rights.

"The Government has taken heed of people's views and concerns and incorporated many suggestions in formulating the Bill, which has struck a good balance," Mrs Ip said.

The Bill will be gazetted February 14 and tabled at the Legislative Council on February 26.

"We will make copies of the Bill widely available to members of the public and will continue to listen to their views during the entire legislative process," Mrs Ip said.

To help people understand the Bill and rights and freedoms protected by the Basic Law, a leaflet and a booklet outlining various provisions in layman's language has been produced.

"The Government will be producing a series of radio and television announcements, and a dedicated website on Article 23 has also been set up to help the public familiarise themselves with the subject," she said.

Copies of the Bill, the leaflet and the booklet will be available for collection after 2pm February 14 at all District Offices, the Government Publications Centre in the Queensway Government Offices, the Information Services Department in Murray Building, and the Housing Authority's shopping malls.