Chief Executive John Lee today officiated at the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance Presentation Ceremony to present an award certificate to the Task Force on Basic Law Article 23 Legislation comprising the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau and Police.

Mr Lee said the task force stood out from a crowd of nominations and was a role model for civil servants.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was unanimously passed by the Legislative Council on March 19 and took effect on March 23.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region completed the legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law, fulfilling the constitutional responsibility and historic mission that Hong Kong had been waiting 26 years, eight months and 19 days for. 

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Lee said the cross-departmental task force was highly efficient and professional, holding a strong belief in the necessity and urgency of enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, and that the sooner the enactment of the legislation the better.

He added that the task force had worked at full steam and with wholehearted commitment, demonstrating the team's resolute determination in safeguarding national security and implementing the "one country, two systems" principle for the Hong Kong SAR to make glorious history. 

The Chief Executive also pointed out that the civil service is an integral part of the Hong Kong SAR’s governance system and the key for a capable government that can deliver results.

“As the expectations and demands of the community towards the Government have continuously grown, the entire civil service is facing more new challenges.

“They have to execute policies effectively and provide quality service, and shoulder the grave responsibilities of safeguarding national security and ensure social stability at the same time,” he added.

The task force’s representative and the then Deputy Secretary for Security Apollonia Liu said it was an honour for the team to have the opportunity to take part in the legislative work, which is of historical significance.

She thanked the Chief Executive for affirming their efforts as well as all the officers who had taken part in the legislative work, adding that the smooth completion of the legislation was an outcome of the united and concerted efforts of the entire Hong Kong SAR Government, LegCo and the whole community.