China News Service, Hong Kong, March 2 (Reporter Liu Dawei) The public consultation period for the legislation on Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law (hereinafter referred to as the Article 23 legislation) ended on February 28. During the period, more than 13,000 opinions were received, and the vast majority supported the legislation. .
Regarding the 23 pieces of legislation, many Hong Kong experts recently said in interviews with reporters from China News Service that the data reflects that Hong Kong society has a sufficient consensus.
"Such a high proportion of support shows the public's importance and consensus on strengthening Hong Kong's rule of law and safeguarding national security. It also shows Hong Kong citizens' urgent need to establish a more stable and secure social environment." Member of the expert group of the Chief Executive's Policy Group and "One Country, Two Systems" He Jianzong, founder and chairman of the Youth Forum, said that these opinions will provide strong reference and support for the SAR government to improve the 23 pieces of legislation.
Fu Jianci, director of the National Association for Hong Kong and Macao Studies and vice president of the Hong Kong Basic Law Education Association, told reporters that the main issues that the Hong Kong legal community is most concerned about regarding Article 23 legislation include the legislative purpose, legal basis, legal system and enforcement mechanism, definition of crimes and penalties. Then wait.
During the consultation process, the SAR government organized nearly 30 consultation meetings to explain in detail the suggestions in the consultation document.
"It can be said that this public consultation achieved the desired effect and clarified Hong Kong society's vague understanding of national security and development."
Fu Jianci said that judging from the sources of opinions collected, the consultation channels are open and all parties are welcome to put forward valid opinions.
It is worth mentioning that the Secretary for Security of the SAR Government, Deng Bingqiang, and other officials also formed an "emergency team" during the consultation period to promptly respond and refute slanderous remarks made by foreign forces or anti-China elements in Hong Kong, and make strong and immediate responses. Powerful explanations can provide society with a deeper understanding of legislation and have a positive effect.
He Jianzong observed that in addition to submitting submissions to the SAR government, throughout the consultation period, all sectors of society also actively expressed their support for the legislative work.
He told reporters that these suggestions are not purely political opinions, but cover different categories of legislative suggestions.
"This atmosphere of active participation will help the SAR government formulate more comprehensive and specific legal policies."
He Jianzong added that it is undeniable that society still has some concerns about the Article 23 legislation, but the main focus is on how to clearly define crimes, not on the legislation itself.
Hung Man, a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, gave the example of citizens and groups proposing that the definition of "public official" under the crime of "inciting rebellion", the elements of the crime of "stealing state secrets", and the scope of application of "state secrets" should be further clarified.
The reference opinions contained therein are worthy of follow-up by the SAR government.
Regarding the relationship between the Article 23 legislation and the current Hong Kong National Security Law, He Jianzong analyzed that the Article 23 legislation is an initiative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to legislate on its own in accordance with the Basic Law, aiming to fulfill the SAR government's responsibility to safeguard national security.
The Hong Kong National Security Law is a law passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and then implemented in Hong Kong. It belongs to central legislation.
"Although the legislative procedures and subjects are different, both are aimed at safeguarding national security and preventing any behavior that may endanger national security." He Jianzong said that they are complementary to each other in their common goals and cannot replace each other.
After the completion of Article 23 legislation, the two will form a mutually supportive legal system to ensure Hong Kong's stability and national security.
Hong Wen added that whether it is the public consultation process of Article 23 legislation or the subsequent stages of legislation, the SAR government’s explanations need to distinguish between law and morality.
She believes that the law only sets a minimum behavioral bottom line, and it is illegal to touch the bottom line.
The sense of identity and belonging to the country, as well as the whole-hearted love, are noble moral feelings worthy of respect.
Basically, behaviors that threaten and undermine national security can be identified, defined, and regulated by law. However, "patriotism" as a moral sentiment is difficult to be regulated by law, because there is no clear criterion in the world to determine whether someone is genuine. patriotic.
"Therefore, the SAR government must let citizens and the international community understand that Article 23 of the Basic Law does not set requirements based on lofty moral standards, but only sets untouchable minimum requirements and behavioral bottom lines." Hong Wen said that because of this, Hong Kong's free, open and international social environment will not be affected by the Article 23 legislation.
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