HK 'unique in allowing us to work and play hard'

Wallis Wang

Hong Kong is a diversified city that cannot be replaced by other places as it allows citizens to "work hard, play hard," Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.

Hongkongers can do whatever they like anytime in this "non-stop city" and it takes less than half an hour for people to reach country parks or the sea for outdoor activities, he said in an interview with the Hong Kong China News Agency.

"People can enjoy everything here in Hong Kong, and that's why some people call Hong Kong a 'non-stop' city - you can eat or do anything you like anytime with no restrictions," Lee said.

"You can enjoy the rich culture and art in the city, where people of different races live together. Hong Kong cannot be replaced by another place," he said.

Lee also said the Basic Law article 23 must be legislated as soon as possible by this year or next to safeguard the long-term stability of the SAR.

"There is a timetable for the legislation, which will definitely be completed within my term as chief executive," he said, adding he has already asked the Security Bureau and Department of Justice to study similar laws of other common law jurisdictions.

But Lee said the government will stay cautious when drafting the law so that it can effectively safeguard national security.

He said countries around the world all have similar laws to ensure national security, including the United States.

The national security law and article 23 only cover four and seven offenses, which is minor compared to complicated national security laws overseas, he said.

Lee also said Hong Kong is a great gatekeeper to the mainland, as well as a channel to connect to mainland cities and markets.

The SAR is also well known for its high transparency and the rule of law, he said.

But Hong Kong is more than just a connector, as it also continues to improve itself by providing professional services to the world.

Lee said SAR officials will also visit Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia - all Association of Southeast Asian Nations members - to seek cooperation.

"The ASEAN countries are partners closest to us, and the association is also seeing strong economic growth," he said.

The SAR will also continue to attract talent to boost development, Lee said, adding that the number of applicants to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme was increased to 10,000 per year from 2,000.