Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen gave a personal guarantee yesterday that anti-subversion laws would not restrict freedoms.
His comments came as four international human rights and press groups issued statements expressing concern that the proposed laws were draconian.
In a speech to the Hong Kong Bankers' Association, Mr Tsang said: 'The free flow of information, the freedom to say and do what we want - are the very fabric of Hong Kong society. I stand here tonight to give you a personal guarantee that in no circumstances will we allow these freedoms to be undermined.'
His comments came after David Li Kwok-po, the banking sector's legislator, revealed that more than 10 foreign banks were worried about the proposals. Mr Tsang said he was aware some bankers were concerned about whether the proposals will affect the free flow of information.
'For example, would we prohibit analysts from using official documents in publishing their market analysis, even if this might impact on the market? I can assure you this would not be the case,' he said.
Financial dealings with Taiwanese clients would also not be affected simply because they advocate a particular political view, Mr Tsang added.
He said he understood the wishes of those who wanted to see the proposals in the form of a legal document. A draft bill to be presented to the Legislative Council would be published as soon as practicable after the consultation period ends this month.
