Hong Kong, May 26 (IANS) Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Tuesday reassured residents that Chinas planned national security law will not have negative consequences for the citys economy, pointing out that Western democracies have enacted similar laws without scaring investors away.
In a media briefing, Lam also said that the law would not infringe on their rights and freedoms, echoing recent promises by state leaders that the legislation would target only a small minority of radicals, reports the South China Morning Post newspaper.
She that even if mainland national security agents were allowed to operate in Hong Kong, they would have to abide by the city’s laws.
“Law enforcement agencies must not affect the basic rights and freedoms that residents enjoy under the law,” she said.
Since last week, Hong Kong officials and pro-Beijing politicians have appealed for calm over the Chinese government’s plan to bypass the local legislature and craft its own national security law for the city.
Under the plan, revealed on May 22, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), China’s top legislative body, would propose a law to prohibit acts of secession, subversion, terrorism or conspiring with foreign influences in Hong Kong.
It would also require the local government to set up new institutions to safeguard sovereignty while allowing mainland agencies to operate in the city as needed.
Lam’s remarks came after thousands of Hong Kong residents took to the streets on Sunday to oppose the impending law, and acts of violence and vandalism were committed by radical protesters.
At least 180 people were arrested on Sunday, as radicals blocked roads, vandalised traffic lights and shops.
–IANS
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