Legislation of Article 23 on a tight schedule but time still sufficient: Andrew Leung

Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said although the legislation work of Article 23 of the Basic Law has a tight schedule, he believes authorities still have sufficient time. 

Speaking on a radio program on Saturday, Leung said the work is a constitutional duty owed to the Central Government for 26 years. 

He also said LegCo now has a very good atmosphere and now is the best time to take the next step and discuss the legislation rationally. 

After the government tables the bill, LegCo will vet the bill as usual just as they vet other bills, Leung said, adding that there are no special considerations of strengthening the security protocols. 

Leung said the government has begun promoting the legislation of Article 23 and mentioned that many democratic countries have similar national security laws, which Leung also said is not exclusive to Hong Kong. 

Leung pointed out what matters the most is that authorities explain well to councilors and the public ensuring everyone understands that they all have a duty to safeguard national security, and the article is not to curb Hongkongers’ freedoms. 

He said the previous terms of the Bill Committee had some 60 councilors and could hardly discuss any bills. This term of the Bill Committee can have focused discussions as it only comprises of 20 legislators. 

LegCo convened 34 general meetings this year and passed 32 government bills. When asked about the low attendance rates, Leung said legislators have been reminded by lawmaker Martin Liao Cheung-kong and now understand that they also need to take care of their public image despite unseen hard work.