Public’s misunderstanding and negative thoughts a huge barricade in legislation of Article 23: Paul Lam

The legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law is a good thing but the public’s misunderstanding and negative thoughts on the matter over the past 20 years have become a huge barricade that bars authorities from completing the work, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok has said. 

In an interview with state-run newspaper Ta Kung Pao, Lam pointed out that the subject of national security is not within the range of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. 

Yet, the Central Government willing to let Hong Kong shoulder this responsibility and take care of the issue on its own indicates Beijing’s faith in the “one country, two systems” principle and Hongkongers. 

Therefore, the constitution duties must be fulfilled and the Central Government’s faith must not be wronged, Lam said. 

He added the public should understand Article 23 through the Basic Law as a whole, instead of treating the article separately. 

As the Basic Law secures Hongkongers’ rights and freedoms, international accords that apply to Hong Kong, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, will continue to remain valid, Lam pointed out. 

People can only carry out day-to-day activities or exercise their rights and freedoms if national security is safeguarded, Lam also said. 

The judicial chief continued that the Department for Justice will strengthen public education and called on citizens to keep an open mind as he said the rule of law is less complicated than it sounds.