Government to roll out patriotic education: John Lee
Chief Executive John Lee said on Wednesday that the government would introduce patriotic education to strengthen national identity and appreciation of Chinese culture among Hong Kong people.  Lee also said he hopes legislative work for Article 23 national security legislation will be completed within 2024. In his Policy Address, the CE said patriotic education would be integrated into the city's education system, and the government aims to "build mainstream values characterised by patriotism with affection for our country and Hong Kong".  "We will roll out patriotic education to enhance national identity and appreciation of the richness and beauty of the traditional Chinese culture amongst the people of Hong Kong, laying a good foundation for our national unity and solidarity," he said. He said a working group would be set up to coordinate the work of government departments and non-governmental organisations in promoting national education, and to improve education on China's history, culture and current affairs. Lee said this was to dovetail with the mainland's Patriotic Education Law, which will take effect at the beginning of next year.  In addition, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will set up an office to implement programmes to promote Chinese culture and history, including a Chinese Culture Festival.  He added that the government would set up a museum to showcase China's development and achievements, covering areas such as its history, politics, economic development and culture.  The current Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence in Shau Kei Wan would be converted into the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence next year. Lee explained that the transformed museum will focus on the history of the War of Resistance to cultivate a stronger sense of national esteem and patriotism. On Article 23 legislation, Lee said he believes people now understand the need for Hong Kong to enact its own national security law.  "We did not succeed in 2003, I would say it's because of, in some way, not being able to make people understand very properly what Article 23 can do for them in a positive way," he told a post-Policy Address press conference. "I think after the 2019 harm and troubles, people understand how national security is an important factor for stability, for continuing our normal day-to-day life."_____________________________
Last updated: 2023-10-25 HKT 17:59 