'Stay vigilant in safeguarding national security'

Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong needs to remain vigilant against ongoing national security threats, saying the greatest danger lies in complacency.

In an interview marking his four years in office, he quoted the Chinese saying “Forgetting the pain once the wound has healed”, emphasising that's something people must not do.

Lee said the public must guard against security threats even as life has returned to normal.

"I believe that most people would not do anything to endanger national security. We should work and live normally, but it is important to stay vigilant," he said.

The CE noted that security risks are ever-present and constantly evolving.

"External factors are beyond your control – you can only be in control of your own work in protecting yourself.

The chief executive also said the goal is not to achieve "absolute security".

"We understand that in maintaining national security, we cannot achieve absolute security because absolute security does not exist."

He said the SAR pursues what he described as “relative security”– the goal of being safer today than yesterday.

Lee also described the city's national security system as "defensive" in nature.

"We do not infringe on others, but when others infringe on us, we need to protect ourselves and hold them accountable," he said.

Lee pointed to the completion of Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation during the current term of government, a constitutional obligation left unfulfilled for more than 26 years since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, along with the implementation of the National Security Law.

"With the enactment of the National Security Law and Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, first of all, Hong Kong's social order has been restored, and our daily lives have returned to normal," he said.

"Second, our economy can develop.

"Third, and I think most importantly, the rule of law can be upheld."

Lee said four principles must be adhered to when it comes to safeguarding national security: complying with the rule of law; protecting human rights and freedoms; maintaining openness; and properly coordinating development and security.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...