'Govt to beef up security for critical infrastructure'
Security minister Chris Tang says the government is planning to introduce a bill to the Legislative Council next year to beef up cybersecurity for essential infrastructure such as the power grid and telecommunications networks. Speaking on RTHK's Overview Policy programme to be aired on Wednesday, Tang said operators may in future be required to conduct risk assessments and have preventative and contingency plans in place under the proposed legislation. "Critical infrastructures like water, power and gas, as well as financial organisations and telecommunications networks – they are the lifeline of Hong Kong's economy and are very important. If their cybersecurity is compromised, Hong Kong will be disrupted," Tang said. "So we think we need to follow the example of many other places and legislate for the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures." The security chief also said the authorities have done a lot of preparation to enact national security legislation next year under Article 23 of the Basic Law.  Tang also spoke about the good relationship the local police force enjoys with the community. "Maybe in 2019 some people tried to sow dissension, but now that we've moved from chaos to order and onto prosperity, and Hong Kong people can see clearly, so the relationship between the police force and the community is great," he said. He said Hong Kong's disciplinary forces have been working with the city's youth to nurture law-abiding citizens with a sense of national identity.