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Following is the translation of the remarks made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, to the media on Article 23 of the Basic Law this (December 16) afternoon:
"Quite a number of residents took to the streets yesterday to express their views. They were concerned that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's proposals to legislate in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law would affect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by residents. Today 27 community, political and business groups expressed support for the Government to legislate in accordance with Article 23. I believe that the community at large clearly knows that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and every resident have the obligation to implement the Basic Law requirement to protect national security. We must do so to realise our fundamental commitment to Hong Kong and our country. Therefore, we must enact laws in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law.
"I understand that some of the people who took to the streets yesterday were worried. We will take careful note of their worries. We will seriously listen to their views. I believe that their worries will be gradually allayed as they have a deeper understanding of the details of the legislation. The objective of our legislation is to protect national security, not to restrict the freedoms of residents.
"In the past five years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has endeavoured to safeguard the freedoms and fundamental rights of residents, and has successfully implemented the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. I wish to reiterate that the Government would continue to do so. The freedoms and rights being enjoyed by residents will not be affected in any way by the laws to be enacted in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law."
(Please also refer to the original Chinese version of the transcript)
End/Monday, December 16, 2002
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