Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, has reiterated his commitment to finalize legislation for the city’s own security laws this year. Emphasizing the urgency to address what he perceives as complex geopolitics and clandestine espionage tactics amid rising public discontent, economic challenges, and social issues, Lee stressed the need to legislate Article 23 of the Basic Law – Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.
During a session with lawmakers at the Legislative Council on Thursday, Lee responded to queries about the progress of Article 23 legislation and outlined the government’s strategy to revive Hong Kong’s economy, currently grappling with underperforming stock and property markets.
Lee contended that with the completion of legislation, Hong Kong could fully focus on economic development. He revealed that the work had entered its final stages and would be concluded within the year.
However, the move to legislate Article 23 has sparked controversy, reminiscent of the failed attempt in 2003, which led to mass protests and subsequent shelving until the introduction of Beijing’s National Security Law in 2020.
Lee emphasized that while the National Security Law addressed critical issues in 2019, gaps remained, particularly concerning treason and the management of political organizations with foreign contacts. He argued that Hong Kong, in contrast to many foreign countries with over 20 national security-related laws, only has one. Lee announced the establishment of a “response and refutation team” and an “interpretation team” to counter propaganda from hostile forces during the legislative process.
Exiled former legislator Ted Hui criticized Lee’s comparison to foreign laws, suggesting it aimed to downplay the impact on Hong Kong. Since assuming office, Lee has taken a robust political stance and implemented stringent policies, including crackdowns on traffic violations and hawking, drawing criticism even from pro-government lawmakers.
Pro-communist legislator Paul Tse expressed concern at LegCo about government overreach, citing continuous 24/7 issuance of traffic tickets, heavy penalties for hawkers, and aggressive enforcement against jaywalking. Lee dismissed such opinions as promoting “conflicts,” likening Tse’s vocabulary to terms used during the 2019 anti-government protests termed as “black terror” by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities.
Even pro-communist organization Patriotic Force founder Chan Ching-sum voiced discontent on Weibo, stating, “Since Lee Ka-chiu took office as the chief executive, I have only seen the current government trying every means to mentally abuse the people.” Chan’s post, though swiftly deleted, circulated widely online.