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Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam hails ‘timely and essential’ national security law in opening remarks at city’s legal week
- Chief executive says she will continue to back legislation without fear despite continued attacks by foreign governments
- Top judge defends city’s judiciary against suggestions its independence has been compromised by new law
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Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Monday the national security law Beijing imposed on the city in June was both “timely and essential” as it helped restore law and order.
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Speaking at the opening of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2020, which is organised by the Department of Justice, the chief executive said the civil unrest that ripped through Hong Kong had undermined the respect for, and the public perception of, the rule of law, and exposed shortcomings in the government with regard to safeguarding national security.
China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, unanimously approved the new law on June 30. It was adopted by the city’s government and took effect at 11pm the same day.
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“Since then, law and stability in society have been restored,” Lam said. “Now we have an enhanced system for Hong Kong to accurately and to comprehensively implement the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.
“Despite unjustified attacks by some foreign politicians and governments, I and my government will continue to stand fast to implement the national security law without fear or worry.”
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