The Chief Executive, John Lee, met with the media in Beijing after reporting to President Xi Jinping on work on Dec. 18.
Asked about how the Central Government responded to the security legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law by 2024, Lee described it as a "constitutional duty" and an obligation that has not been fulfilled for over 20-odd years since 1997, since the promulgation of the Basic Law.
"I think Hong Kong people, as a result of the pain, the hardship and the destruction of Hong Kong they experienced, they are convinced that an effective law to protect national security is important... They want an effective law to protect national security," he said.
He also noted that the Government will have to explain thoroughly and clearly to people in Hong Kong, and also to the international community, that Hong Kong is no different from any city and jurisdiction in the world, that will need a law to protect its national security.
"I have been asking the responsible bureaux and departments to examine and make reference to laws of other jurisdictions because if those laws exist in other countries' statute books, that means they are effective and acceptable to be used to protect the respective country's national security... we will be referring to those jurisdictions, particularly the common law jurisdictions, for those (laws) we think are applicable to Hong Kong, then we may make reference to them," he added.
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