Hong Kong is about to embark on the next step towards putting in place a controversial domestic national security law, after a monthlong consultation on the proposed legislation ends on Feb 28.
On Feb 22, the city welcomed Mr Xia Baolong, Beijing's top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs, who is on a week-long fact-finding visit. Local media cited government insiders as saying he would be gathering feedback on the planned law during his trip.
Chief Executive John Lee said on Feb 20 that most opinions gathered so far supported the proposed law. But the move has divided some within Hong Kong society, as well as the international community.
Hong Kong is required under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city's mini-Constitution, to implement its own national security legislation, and Mr Lee pledged in his policy address in October that his administration would see through the long-delayed move in 2024.
The leader will report the findings of the 30-day consultation exercise to the legislature in due course, but has given no timeline for when the draft Bill will go before lawmakers.
"The general consensus is that if we can do it one day earlier, we should do it one day earlier," Mr Lee told reporters on Feb 20. "Because the threat (against national security) continues, and the threat has been mounting, so we must gear up our efforts to ensure that we will do it as soon as possible."
Hong Kong's domestic national security law has been a highly politically sensitive topic. A 2003 bid to introduce it resulted in the Bill being dropped after half a million Hong Kongers took to the streets in protest.
The latest iteration of the planned law will complement the 2020 Beijing-imposed national security legislation.
It will cover five types of new offences: treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets and espionage, sabotage endangering national security, and external interference.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 24, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 24, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.