CE: HK to introduce laws on oath-taking arrangements of public officers

Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delivers her fourth Policy Address at the Legislative Council today (Nov. 25).

Lam says that the HKSAR Government will introduce a bill with reference to relevant local court judgments within this year to amend such local laws as the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance and the Legislative Council Ordinance, to implement the Basic Law, the requirements of the National Security Law, as well as the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC)'s Interpretation and decision on the qualification of LegCo members. Such laws are expected to enhance the oath-taking arrangements and to deal with those who have engaged in conduct that breaches the oath, says Lam.

The HKSAR government has stipulated that all civil servants joining the government on or after July 1, 2020, must sign a declaration to uphold the Basic Law, swear allegiance to the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China and be responsible to the HKSAR Government, Lam says.

Lam stresses that the Chief Executive is responsible to both the HKSAR and the Central People's Government (CPG), and is required to comprehensively, accurately and firmly implement the "one country, two systems" principle and uphold the Basic Law.

She also mentions that the National Security Law has been remarkably effective in restoring HK stability over the past four months. Lam adds that the NPCSC decision on the qualification of LegCo members had an absolute legal basis and repeatedly stresses the rule of law in HK.