[Remarks: The Security Bureau released a press statement last night which was in contrary with what Regina IP said in the LegCo. A spokesman for the Bureau explained that the Bureau had not yet formulated any drafting instructions.]

SB spokesman explains law drafting instructions

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In response to concerns raised by Legislative Councillor Cyd Ho and the Democratic Party over the Secretary for Security Mrs Regina Ip's remarks on law drafting instructions relating to Article 23 of the Basic Law, a spokesman for Security Bureau explained today (October 23) that the Bureau had not yet formulated any drafting instructions.

"The Bureau is only in the process of contemplating how the proposals to implement Article 23 should be drafted in legal language.

"This is a preparatory step and would not prejudice the public consultation exercise which is currently underway," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said Mrs Ip had on several occasions stressed that views collected during the consultation period would be taken into account before introducing a Bill into the Legislative Council.

"There is no question of the Government not giving full consideration to all the views expressed during the public consultation exercise," the spokesman said.