The National People's Congress will deliberate a draft Decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security.

     The Director of Fire Services, Mr Joseph Leung, said that the Fire Services Department (FSD), as a member of the HKSAR disciplinary forces, fully supports the Security Bureau in leading all disciplinary forces to discharge their due duties for safeguarding national security and the safety of Hong Kong.

     In the past year, the violence in Hong Kong has been escalating, with rioters wilfully blocking roads, setting fires and hurling petrol bombs, and the FSD frontline personnel have been obstructed to varying degrees in carrying out their duties. This has posed extremely serious challenges and threats to the department's firefighting, rescue and ambulance services, which the FSD needs to provide as quickly as possible. The FSD strongly condemns the acts of the rioters.

     The FSD will continue to unfailingly support the Police to take resolute enforcement actions to stop violence and curb disorder. Meanwhile, as in the past, the department will remain steadfast in its duties, stand united to fulfil its statutory duties, and strive to protect the lives and properties of the public, making Hong Kong a safe place to live and work.

     Mr Leung said the FSD firmly believes that as long as the Government practically and effectively prevents and curbs any acts of violence and terrorism, we can effectively safeguard national security and ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong under "one country, two systems".

Ends/Monday, May 25, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:35

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