'People aware of the need for Article 23 legislation'
Secretary for Security Chris Tang said on Wednesday that he believes Hongkongers know very well why there's a need to implement Article 23 legislation after what happened in 2019. Chief Executive John Lee announced in his Policy Address last month that the SAR's own national security legislation would be enacted before the end of next year. In an interview with the Sing Tao Daily, Tang said the circumstances are now different from when the bill was first drafted in 2003. "Before 2019, nobody would have believed there would be riots and people throwing petrol bombs in Hong Kong, but it did happen in 2019,” he said.  “I believe that Hong Kong residents clearly understand that we need effective and pragmatic national security legislation to ensure a stable society and a safe environment.” Tang said the government will take into account relevant national and overseas laws while drafting the legislation, such as provisions extending the detention of suspects and restricting their activities. But he also said the Hong Kong legislation would be tailored to meet local needs. Meanwhile, Tang said a move requiring civil servants to put aside their mobile phones while attending national security training courses is in line with government rules. He said the training content is sensitive in nature, and those in attendance should keep it confidential.