The Legislative Council has passed the Interception of Communications & Surveillance Bill after over 50 hours of deliberation.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee today said the Government will finish its follow-up works including gazetting the bill and finalising departmental guidelines in the coming days.

After the commencement of the bill, the Chief Executive will, based on the recommendations of the Chief Justice, appoint panel judges and the commissioner.

Mr Lee thanked lawmakers for their ideas and suggestions that have allowed the Government to make more than 180 amendments to perfect the bill.

Emphasising that the legislation is important to maintain good law and order in Hong Kong, the secretary reiterated that it will keep a good balance between effective law enforcement and privacy protection.

On the appointment of panel judges, Mr Lee said the Government has adopted the Law Reform Commission's proposals published in March.

On the democrats' walkout action, he said Hong Kong is a free, open and diverse community and everyone has the freedom of speech. "We respect views of the other parties. As I said earlier in the chamber, although we may not have the same views sometimes, I respect the other sides' views."

Chief Executive Donald Tsang also praised the efforts of officials and lawmakers in passing the bill, which he said is fairer than similar laws in other democratic countries, adding it will offer better human rights protection.