HK Must Not Neglect National Security Threats: SJ

Justice Secretary Paul Lam says Hong Kong must not neglect any possible threats to national security and people must always prepare for the worst, even as the city moves from stability to prosperity.

In an interview with Sing Tao Daily published on Monday, Lam said national security is not only about safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also ensuring a safe environment for people’s well-being and social development.

“Society must be stable for it to develop, and social development will make society safer,” he said.

“When society develops well, naturally the country will become safer. They complement each other.”

Lam said foreign media coverage of Hong Kong national security issues tends to be negative, incorrect and unfair, and even twists the facts. This is why people should remain vigilant and take the initiative to learn more about national security and how it is related to them, he said.

The justice secretary also said Hong Kong will host a series of events on National Security Education Day on April 15 including a seminar, disciplinary force open days, school workshops, exhibitions and a carnival.

He noted that the mainland started holding National Security Education Day in 2016 – five years earlier than Hong Kong – and said Hong Kong can learn a lot regarding this from mainland counterparts.

Lam also said he hopes to visit the nine mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area with his deputy Horace Cheung, to strengthen mutual legal assistance and better integrate legal businesses.