Businesses, tourists need HK's security law: SJ
Justice Secretary Paul Lam said on Tuesday that everyone relies on Hong Kong's national security law in order to live, work or visit the territory, including businesses and visitors from overseas. Speaking at a Law Society forum on "Doing business in Hong Kong in a rapidly changing world", Lam said the security law is indispensable for stability, although a robust legal system and diversified legal talent pool also help.  He said that safeguarding national security is important for all and this includes companies and tourists. "Hong Kong must not ignore or underestimate any possible risk to national security," he said, adding that the security law doesn't just safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity. "It also provides a stable and peaceful environment which is indeed an essential precondition for business development and enjoyment of activities for overseas tourists and people living and working in Hong Kong." Lam said since the security law came into force three years ago, "only 30 people" have been convicted or are awaiting sentence, describing this as an extremely small number given the city has a population of more than seven million. He added that many places in the world have national security laws that are much stricter than the one in place in Hong Kong.  Lam also said that international businesses enjoy Hong Kong's independent, transparent and impartial legal system. "The international business community is assured with a predictable, certain and secure legal environment, which is conducive to investment and business activities." The president of the Law Society, Chan Chak-ming, told the forum that being as Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China, lawyers in the SAR can act as "super-connectors" between mainland and international firms, so they can expand their businesses in either direction.