Senior Counsel Ronny WK Tong appeared on RTHK Programme "Letter to Hong Kong" to express his concern over Government's proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law. To hear the programme, please click here (Note: The Programme was conducted in Cantonese).

Government's Response

In response to media enquiries on comments made by Senior Counsel Ronny K W Tong on a radio programme today (October 26), a Government spokesman said that there would be thorough public consultation on the proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law.

"The implementation of Article 23, which empowers the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to enact its own laws to protect national security, is a vivid example of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

"The Government has launched a three-month public consultation on proposals to implement Article 23, and is inviting views from all sectors of the community," the spokesman said.

He added that Security Bureau and Department of Justice officials had already attended more than 40 meetings and forums on the proposals, and had been in contact with various groups and organisations to listen to their views and address possible concerns.

"The Government will take into account all the views expressed during the public consultation period before introducing a Bill into the Legislative Council."

"The Bill will contain details of the proposals drafted in proper legal language. The public and the Legislative Council will still have ample time and opportunities to study the Bill and to voice their views," the spokesman said.