The Security Bureau has received a total of more than 90 000 submissions from organisations and individuals as at 5 pm today (December 24) after a three-month consultation exercise on the Government's proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law.
"Judging from the record high number of submissions, the consultation exercise has achieved its purpose of soliciting full public participation in the process. We would like to thank those who submitted their views and suggestions on the legislative proposals," the Acting Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Timothy Tong, said.
"The vigorous debates over the proposals in the past few months fully demonstrate the robustness of speech freedom in Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong, being an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, has both moral and constitutional obligations to protect national security," Mr Tong said.
"The public consultation on proposals to implement Article 23 is a step towards fulfilling its constitutional obligation.
"The Government's proposals to implement Article 23 are largely drawn from existing laws, which are adapted from UK statutes, and fully comply with Hong Kong's well-established common law traditions and international human rights principles.
"There is no question of extending Mainland laws or concepts on national security to Hong Kong," he added.
Mr Tong stressed that all views expressed during the consultation exercise would be carefully studied and taken into account before formulating the draft legislation.
"We will consider how best we can improve on our proposals and allay as far as possible worries raised by different sectors, such as those over the possession of seditious publications, increased police powers and unauthorised access to protected information. We believe there will be some adjustments to our proposals in the light of the views received.
"We hope to be able to publish a compendium of the consultation results, together with a list of concerns and suggestions on specific areas of the proposals early next year.
"The Government will publish a bill as soon as practicable. This will help the public understand in detail our legislative proposals, which can protect national security without undermining the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people or confidence of foreign investors. The Legislative Council and members of the public will have ample opportunity to study and comment on the bill until the entire legislative exercise is completed," Mr Tong said.
Since late September, officials of the Security Bureau and the Department of Justice have attended more than 250 seminars, public hearings, meetings and media interviews to explain the concepts behind the proposals and to listen to public views. A series of meetings with representatives from a wide range of sectors and professional groups, including legislators, academics, businessmen, media, lawyers, consulate-generals, chambers of commerce, District Councils, district community organisations, arts and religious organisations have also been held.
As at today, the Security Bureau has distributed over 70 000 copies of consultation documents and over 1 000 000 copies of leaflets on the legislative proposals.
End/Tuesday, December 24, 2002
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