HONG KONG, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday passed the safeguarding national security bill, a milestone by the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional duty as stipulated under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law.
The bill was passed in a unanimous vote during the third reading at the LegCo. According to the HKSAR's law-making process, when a bill has been given three readings, it becomes an ordinance enacted by the LegCo.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said after the vote that the passage of the bill is a "historic moment." "History bears witness to this important moment, witnessing our joy, inspiration and pride, and witnessing our collective contribution to the glorious history of the HKSAR," he said.
After his signing, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will be gazetted and take effect on March 23.
LegCo President Andrew Leung said that all members of the LegCo have the confidence that after the completion of the legislation, the development of the HKSAR will be more vibrant, and the future will be better.
The ordinance contains nine parts, including clauses on treason, insurrection, offences in connection with state secrets and espionage as well as sabotage endangering national security.
Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law stipulates that Hong Kong shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the HKSAR, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the HKSAR from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies.
The ordinance fully implements constitutional responsibilities stipulated under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law, and is considered crucial for fixing loopholes and weak links in the HKSAR's system on protecting national security.
The legislation has been met with strong support in Hong Kong. In a public consultation conducted by the HKSAR government earlier this year, 98.6 percent of the views received showed support and gave positive comments. ■
