The Fight Crime Committee (FCC) today (November 18) held the 2023 Fight Crime Conference at the Central Government Offices with near 500 participants exchanging views on topics relating to law and order and crime-fighting strategies in Hong Kong.

     Officiating at the conference, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that this year’s conference carried a special meaning as it was the first one held after the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL), and with promoting the safeguarding of national security as one of its themes. He said that while pursuing high-quality development in Hong Kong, it is necessary to stay alert to threats and dangers in times of peace and not allow the resurgence of serious violence. He emphasised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has to complete the legislative exercise for Article 23 of the Basic Law in 2024, and together with the NSL, improve the legal regime to safeguard national security in the HKSAR.

     Mr Lee said that the conference also covered the drug situation in the community and scams as well as Internet deception, all of which are current topics of concern for members of the public. He encouraged the FCC and the District Fight Crime Committees to continue to raise the law-abiding awareness of members of the public and assist the Government to prevent and fight crimes effectively. 

     In his welcoming address, the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Chairperson of the FCC, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that since its inception 50 years ago, the FCC has been a defender and a facilitator of Hong Kong's law and order. He said that he hoped the FCC and District Fight Crime Committees would play three roles, namely as a "defender of national security" to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding national security; a "facilitator in district governance" to maintain an environment of law and order; and an "advocate who keeps pace with the times" to join hands with law enforcement agencies in combatting the myriad of online and telephone scams, in order to make Hong Kong a safer and more stable home.

     The conference comprised three plenary sessions, namely: (1) national security education in the community; (2) drug problem; and (3) deception and cybercrime, with the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, as moderators respectively. Members of the FCC and the District Fight Crime Committees were invited to share their experiences. 

     In his closing remarks, Mr Tang said that the sharing at the conference was very meaningful, enabling participants to have a deeper understanding of the relevant content. He said he would actively consider and follow up as appropriate the suggestions put forward in the meeting in order to take forward the key areas of work relating to national security, drug problems, scam prevention and crime fighting.

     Other officials attending the conference included the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Acting Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai; the Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Patrick Li; the Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming; the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing; and the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung.

Ends/Saturday, November 18, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:37

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