New Hong Kong national security law ‘defensive rather than offensive’, says justice chief, stressing sedition amendments won’t harm free speech
- Secretary for Justice Paul Lam acknowledges authorities are getting a lot of questions on proposed national security law
- But he insists one-month consultation period is suitable and will not be extended beyond February 28
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok on Wednesday also acknowledged that authorities were getting a lot of questions on the proposed national security law but insisted the one-month consultation period was suitable and would not be extended beyond February 28.
Lam, who earlier noted that during consultation sessions he had not heard anyone saying they did not support the legislation, conceded there were “different views” on the proposed law after business chambers and diplomats voiced concerns over investment risks and enforcement standards.
“I think no one would dispute that Hong Kong really has a constitutional duty to do it, and we should do it,” Lam said in an interview with the Post and other media outlets, referring to the requirement that Hong Kong enact its own security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the mini-constitution.
“But when it comes to the contents, as we are now running a consultation about the contents, certainly it’s very normal to have different opinions and they are all very welcome.”
It’s a protective law, not aggressive
He also stressed that it was inaccurate to describe the proposed law as a reporter had done as a way to “crack down” on security threats.