08/03/2024
Welcoming Article 23
National security is the backbone of a stable and prosperous society. It is essential for governments to enact comprehensive legislation to protect their citizens and safeguard the integrity of the nation. Such legislation plays a crucial role in maintaining order, combating threats, and ensuring the well-being of a country’s population.
In this context it is important for Hong Kong, under the ‘One country, two systems’ constitutional principle, to complete its constitutional duty by formulating its own local laws to safeguard national security with the proposed Article 23.
One of the primary objectives of national security legislation is to counter terrorism and extremism. In an era plagued by transnational terrorist organizations, radical ideologies, and interference by hostile external forces, it is imperative to have robust laws in place to prevent, detect, and respond to acts of terrorism and sabotage. National security legislation enables intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities to gather information, monitor suspicious activities, and take proactive measures to disrupt potential plots to spread terror or destabilize society. It serves as a deterrent and empowers authorities to swiftly apprehend individuals involved in such activities, thereby safeguarding the lives of innocent citizens. Normal law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear from such legislation, and should in fact welcome this development.
National security legislation also focuses on safeguarding critical infrastructure, including transportation systems, power grids, communication networks, and healthcare facilities. These assets are essential for the functioning of a country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens. Enacting such legislation will help to prevent a repeat of the unprecedented and violent riots, and destruction of public property that Hong Kong suffered in 2019.
The digital age has introduced new dimensions of security threats, particularly in the form of cyber-attacks, information warfare, and cyber-scams. National security legislation is instrumental in addressing these emerging challenges. It enables governments to establish cybersecurity frameworks, regulate data protection, and foster international cooperation in combating cyber threats.
Having been a colony of the United Kingdom for so long, Hong Kong people have been deeply influenced by Western political values. But Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, is now an inalienable part of the PRC and needs to complete its constitutional duty to contribute to national security. Western ‘democratic’ countries are not the only ones worthy of and entitled to the right to legislate on national security protection.
District Councillor (Eastern District)
Tsang Cheuk Yi Pearl
HK Ample Love Society LTD.
The Hong Kong Association of Chen Village Chen Style Taijiquan
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