HK's core values assured

December 9, 2020
Online interview
Online interview:

Chief Executive Carrie Lam gives an interview to the Wall Street Journal as part of the WSJ CEO Council Summit programme held online.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam assured the international business community that the rule of law, judicial independence and people's rights and freedoms will continue to be upheld under "one country, two systems".

 

Mrs Lam gave the assurance during an interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), noting that such attributes are the core values underpinning Hong Kong's success.

 

The interview was conducted online as part of the programme of the WSJ CEO Council Summit held on December 7 and 8. Hundreds of leaders of multinational enterprises took part in the summit.

 

During the interview, Mrs Lam said the Central People's Government would unswervingly implement the policy of "one country, two systems" and she elucidated the constitutional arrangement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under "one country, two systems" and the enactment of the National Security Law.

     

Mrs Lam pointed out that many unfair comments made about Hong Kong in recent events show a lack of understanding of the policy of "one country, two systems" and stressed that "one country, two systems” is an innovative concept that aims to preserve as much as possible the way of life and the systems in the city.

 

It is also built on the firm foundation of Hong Kong being an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China and must not move away from the principle of "one country", she added.

 

Mrs Lam emphasised that the city will continue to uphold its core values, including the rights and freedoms of the people, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary under "one country, two systems".

 

Pointing out that following months of riots since June last year, the Chief Executive said the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC), the highest organ of state power, had no option but to enact the National Security Law and apply it in Hong Kong in accordance with the Basic Law to protect national security.

 

Mrs Lam stated that under the National Security Law, people’s rights and freedoms under the Basic Law and the relevant provisions of International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong will continue to be protected.

 

Important legal concepts including the presumption of innocence, fair and open trial and non-retrospectivity are embedded in the National Security Law, she added.

 

Looking forward, Mrs Lam said the Government will strive to make concerted efforts to enhance education and promotion of national security in society.

     

While addressing a question on the disqualification of four Legislative Council members last month, Mrs Lam explained the background and the legal basis of the relevant decision made by the NPCSC.

     

She said that, with law and order restored by the implementation of the National Security Law, and that Hong Kong will play an active role in the national development with the Central People's Government's support, with particular reference to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has promising prospects and it is time for businesses to invest in it.

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