CE Urges Support For New Law In Letter To HK People

The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has published a letter to Hong Kong residents in numerous newspapers calling for “full understanding and staunch support” for the national security law and warning that the city has become a "gaping hole" in national security.

Lam says the SAR's current legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security are "defenceless", and while opposition forces are advocating Hong Kong independence, external forces are "intensifying their interference".

"Over the past year, the Hong Kong community has been traumatised. Violence by rioters has escalated, with illegal firearms and explosives posing a terrorist threat," Lam writes.

"Meanwhile, external forces have intensified their interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, passed laws relating to Hong Kong and flagrantly glorified the illegal acts of radicals, all of which seriously jeopardise our nation's sovereignty, security and development interests. Hong Kong has become a gaping hole in national security, and our city's prosperity and stability are at risk."

Lam also reminds people that in the 23 years since the handover, Hong Kong has failed to enact its own laws on national security under Article 23 of the Basic Law.

"In view of the current political and social situation, it is difficult for the executive and legislative authorities of the HKSAR to complete on its own legislation to safeguard national security in the foreseeable future."

Lam reiterates that the new law being imposed by Beijing will only target "an extremely small minority of illegal and criminal acts and activities" and says "the life and property, basic rights and freedoms of the overwhelming majority of citizens will be protected".

She signs off her letter with "I appeal for your full understanding and staunch support for the decision passed by the National People's Congress".