New Security Law Best Cure For HK: Tung Chee-hwa

Former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has described Beijing's move for national security legislation in Hong Kong as the "best cure" for the city's long-standing problems.

Tung, who's also a vice-chairman of the CPPCC, told reporters that many people are sick and tired of the violent protests that the SAR has seen over the past year.

He said by putting in place a national security law, harmony and stability will return to the city, adding that "without a country, there's no home".

The former Hong Kong leader also brushed aside claims that the legislation will infringe on people's rights and freedoms promised in the Basic Law, saying instead that it will further consolidate "One Country, Two Systems".

Meanwhile in Beijing, the chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Li Zhanshu, said enacting a national security law is a move to maintain the law-based governance of the Special Administrative Region.

Delivering his working report to the 3,000 delegates of the National People's Congress, Li said the proposal for the security law is expected to be put to a vote on Thursday.