Your current location:HOME >opinions >Councilors vow to explain Article 23 to HK residents 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 10:28:18 Source: Internet compilationEdit:opinions
Hong Kong district councilors attending a government briefing on Monday vowed to proactively explain
Hong Kong district councilors attending a government briefing on Monday vowed to proactively explain to the community about the urgency of the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, and garner their support and advice in the legislative process.
On Jan 30, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government launched a monthlong public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 — which will be achieved by introducing a new ordinance to tackle various types of national security crimes.
The Department of Justice and the Security Bureau organized a briefing on Monday to brief district councilors, members of the District Services and Community Care Teams as well as other representatives of local communities about the content of the consultation paper, hoping the move will help them better explain the ordinance to the public and collect people's advice and suggestions.
A similar briefing will be held on Tuesday.
After attending Monday's briefing, Marcella Cheung Man-ka, a district councilor from Tsuen Wan, said Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwokkwan provided detailed background information and an overall introduction of the consultation paper at the briefing.
Another speaker, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, explained different types of crimes in the proposed law, including treason, insurrection, theft of State secrets and espionage, sabotaging or endangering national security, and external interference, she said.
Cheung believes that as a district councilor, her role is to represent the local community and act as a bridge between residents and the government. She hopes the legislation of Article 23 will strengthen national security while safeguarding the rights and interests of people in Hong Kong.
Victor Chan Chi-ho, a Sai Kung district councilor, said he learned from the consultation paper as well as officials' explanations that the legislation of Article 23 is not only a constitutional responsibility for Hong Kong, but also an issue of urgency and rationality.
He said the proposed ordinance takes reference from many legislations across the world with the aim of striking a good balance between safeguarding national security and protecting human rights. Chan pledged to promote the public consultation, clarify misconceptions and garner more support for the legislation.
Tuen Mun District Councilor Kam Man-fung, said that Horace Cheung explained why the legislation of Article 23 is necessary for the city and compared it with foreign laws during the briefing.
The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions — the city's largest labor union — held online and offline consultation sessions on Sunday, inviting the union's staff to explain the legislation's consultation paper for over 800 attendees.
At the event, FTU President Stanley Ng Chau-pei said that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of "one country, two systems". Safeguarding national security is also a constitutional responsibility of the SAR government, which is a must-do and should be completed as soon as possible.
Kingsley Wong Kwok, the federation's chairman, said the legislation of Article 23 targets a very small number of criminals who endanger national security and will have no impact on the daily lives of ordinary residents.
The unstoppable duo of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos2024-05-21 09:16
Rohingya ordered by Myanmar officer to ‘fight for our faith’ — Radio Free Asia2024-05-21 09:12
Clark Laidlaw: a Scot in Super Rugby. New Hurricanes coach makes a mark.2024-05-21 09:11
Turkish parliamentary committee okays Sweden's NATO bid2024-05-21 08:38
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit2024-05-21 08:38
Royal gardener reveals top tips to get rid of slugs and snails2024-05-21 08:25
Outlook for China's energy transition released at COP282024-05-21 08:21
U.S. CDC concerned about salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes2024-05-21 08:17
Biden says Brown v. Board of Education ruling was about more than education2024-05-21 07:59
Tucker, Altuve combine for 5 RBIs as Astros use big 7th inning to down Rangers, 92024-05-21 07:56
Tom Brady and Jay2024-05-21 10:03
Record Qingming holiday box office heats up for May Day moviegoing frenzy2024-05-21 10:03
Sri Lanka witnesses rise in dengue cases with over 10,000 reported in December2024-05-21 09:19
India's ruling party wins 3 states' elections: preliminary poll2024-05-21 09:11
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti2024-05-21 09:04
Simone Biles sets her sights on the Paris Olympics as four2024-05-21 08:45
In China's countryside, mineral green signifies agricultural innovation2024-05-21 08:29
Infographic: What we need to know about COP282024-05-21 08:19
Baby Reindeer's real2024-05-21 08:17
U.S. California's homelessness keeps rising: report2024-05-21 08:02