Hong Kong Legco to hold special meeting for subsidiary security legislation
Minister urges lawmakers to expedite oversight process for already enacted subsidiary legislation for domestic national security law
The new legislation came into force following its gazettal on Tuesday, just a day after the government unveiled its proposals. Authorities also issued an order designating six premises under Beijing’s national security office in the city as “prohibited places”.
The subsidiary legislation was introduced more than a year after Hong Kong enacted its domestic security law, a requirement under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, with authorities saying it meant to offer more clarity and better support to Beijing’s national security office.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung earlier wrote to Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of Legco’s House Committee, urging her to fully support the government’s legislative work and consider holding a special meeting.
“Hong Kong has the responsibility to complete the legislative work surrounding the subsidiary legislation as soon as possible, as well as to expedite the relevant work under the principle of ‘the sooner, the better,’” Tang wrote.