Security bill rigorous and detailed: Tam Yiu-chung
Secretary-general of the Hong Kong Coalition, Tam Yiu-chung, has described the Article 23 national security draft legislation as rigorous and detailed. Tam, who's also vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies and a former member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said people do not have to be worried about violating the security laws unintentionally. In welcoming the bill, he said the proposed legislation has "accurately targeted" acts endangering national security while setting out a public interest defence clause.  The scope of the police's power is clearly defined and judges will adjudicate with stringent gatekeeping, Tam added. "The bill not only safeguards national security, it also protects the legitimate rights and interests of SAR residents and others, ensuring their assets and investments in the SAR are under legal protection. It is worthy of the trust and support of citizens and others in the SAR," he said.  Tam also said Hong Kong will gain more support and trust from the central government after enacting the homegrown security legislation, and focusing on economic development and improving people's livelihoods.