Remarks by SCMA at media session
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Reporter: Now that the Bill was voted down, what would be the Government's next step and whether the Government would seek extension of time from the Court? Would there be any adverse impact to the rule of law of Hong Kong?
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: As I just said, the Government is not going to apply for any extension of time from the Court for the moment but we will further discuss with the DoJ (Department of Justice) to see how to take forward the matter.
As regards the rule of law of Hong Kong, the Government has all along fully respected the rule of law of Hong Kong as well as the Court's ruling. And that's why we introduced the Bill this time to discharge our positive obligations under the Hong Kong BoR (Bill of Rights) as ruled by the court. And throughout the whole legislative process, you can see that from our detailed analysis of the judgement to see how to fulfil the requirements as set out by the court, to the drafting of the Bill, the introduction of the Bill, and also all the explanatory and lobbying work that we have done to solicit support from the Legislative Council as well as the public. You can see that we have tried our best to pursue the legislative process as well as to fulfil our obligations. As regards of the Legislative Council, you can see that they have dutifully and effectively discharged their functions and obligations under the Basic Law to closely scrutinise the Bill, and to render advice to the Government, and also to reflect the views of the public to us. So, I don't see any question about the rule of law of Hong Kong being adversely affected in any way. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Ends/Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:15
Issued at HKT 19:15
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