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In response to media enquiries on Louis Cha's comments concerning the Government's proposed legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, a government spokesman stressed today (July 29) that under existing laws, the Police do have emergency entry and search powers in dealing with serious crimes, e.g. during anti-drugs and anti-vice raids. "In any event, to fully allay public concerns on the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill, the Chief Executive has already announced that the provision which confers on the Police emergency investigation powers to search without a court warrant will be deleted," the spokesman said.

Hong Kong has an undeniable constitutional duty to enact laws to protect national security. After extensive consultation, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has drafted the Bill to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law.

"The Bill has been drafted in accordance with the principle that the HKSAR shall enact legislation on its own. In no way have Mainland legal concepts been extended to the HKSAR, nor is there any intention to create a new ordinance. Three existing ordinances will be amended to clearly specify those acts endangering national security as required to be prohibited by the Basic Law," the spokesman said.

"The Bill fully complies with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Existing freedoms and rights enjoyed by HKSAR residents as guaranteed by the Basic Law will continue to be protected," he added.

End/Tuesday, July 29, 2003

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