CE Hails 'highly Trusted' Police, New Security Law

Chief Executive Carrie Lam praised the city's disciplinary services in her Policy Address on Wednesday and hailed the national security law as being "remarkably effective".

Lam said the city has experienced violent acts and "justice lawbreaking" which have severely damaged social order and the rule of law, and posed threats to people’s lives.

But she noted that Hong Kong has long been one of the safest cities in the world, and said "our disciplined services are highly trusted by the public".

Lam said stringent law enforcement action must be taken to turn the situation around and offenders must face legal sanctions regardless of their status or background.

"No one has any privileges under the law," she said, adding that the police will handle cases in a "fair, just and impartial manner".

The CE also said that the national security law has been "remarkably effective" in restoring stability in the SAR.

"Advocacies of 'Hong Kong independence' and collusions with external forces have progressively subsided; some of the prominent figures have kept a low profile; radical organisations have ceased operation or dissolved; those who are suspected of violating the law have absconded; and street violence is significantly on the decline," she said.

"After a year of social unrest with fear for personal safety, Hong Kong people can once again enjoy their basic rights and freedoms according to the law."