'Interpretation Strengthens Power Given To HK'

The Basic Law Committee's vice-chairwoman, Maria Tam, on Saturday said the interpretation of the National Security Law strengthens the power given to Hong Kong regarding national security.

Her comments came a day after the nation's top legislature said courts in the SAR need approval from the Chief Executive, or the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, to allow foreign lawyers to take part in national security cases here.

Speaking on a radio programme, Tam said Beijing clarified that it is up to the administrative branch - not the judiciary - to handle issues relating to national security. The top court in Hong Kong had ruled that British barrister Tim Owen could represent former media tycoon Jimmy Lai in his national security trial.

But she said the courts here are still independent, adding that "no criticism were made against Hong Kong courts at all" during the discussion of the NPCSC.

Tam said the latest interpretation is different from the previous ones, as it affirms the SAR's power on security issues.

"This interpretation respects the high autonomy already given to Hong Kong regarding national security policy and implementation. The power is now totally unaffected, and the ability to enforce it is strengthened," she said.

"Hong Kong is to solve this issue itself. The central government is not going to solve it according to a certain provision."