The National Security Bill fully complies with the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights, and existing freedoms and rights as guaranteed by the Basic Law will continue to be protected.

In response to media enquiries on Louis Cha's comments concerning the Government's proposed legislation to implement Basic Law Article 23, the Government said under existing laws, Police do have emergency entry and search powers in dealing with serious crimes, such as during anti-drugs and anti-vice raids.

In any event, to fully allay public concerns on the bill, the Chief Executive has already announced that the provision, which confers on the Police emergency investigation powers to search without a court warrant, will be deleted.

The Government also pointed out that Hong Kong has a constitutional duty to enact laws to protect national security.

The bill has been drafted after extensive consultation and is in accordance with the principle that Hong Kong shall enact legislation on its own.

In no way have Mainland legal concepts been extended to Hong Kong, nor is there any intention to create a new ordinance. 

Three existing ordinances will be amended to clearly specify those acts endangering national security as required to be prohibited by the Basic Law.