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何敬康:很榮幸在歷史上,有我投票支持通過《維護國家安全條例》的記錄
立法會事務
2024 年 3 月 22 日
2024年3月19日,很榮幸在歷史上,有我投票支持通過《維護國家安全條例》的記錄。
1997年,香港回歸,當時我是一名學生;
2003年,葉太以保安局長身份主推《基本法》第23條立法,那時我初出社會工作不久。但我非常痛心很多人出於對國家不理解,也對國家安全重要性不理解,令23條立法胎死腹中;
後來的歷史發展,2012、2014、2016、2019,一步一步把我們深愛的香港推向深淵;
幸而國家一錘定音,在2020年訂立了《港區國安法》;
我很榮幸也很僥倖,在2022年獲葉太帶領的新民黨支持下,當選立法會議員,使得昨天,我能夠與葉太、黨友們同其他八十多位立法會同事們一起,參與制定和辯論《維護國家安全條例》,並有份投票讓草案成為法律。
從今天起,香港再無國家安全的後顧之憂,讓我們集中火力拼經濟,追回失去的日子,使香港這座擁有偉大市民的偉大城市,永遠繁榮,更加興盛,成為國家的掌上明珠,國際上璀璨耀目的東方之珠!
以下是我在立法會上以英語發言,支持《維護國家安全條例》:
Thank you President,
In late January of this year, the Hong Kong SAR government initiated a public consultation to legislate Article 23 of the Basic Law. I wholeheartedly support the SAR government's efforts to implement local laws that fulfil our constitutional responsibilities and obligations outlined by the 528 Decision and the Hong Kong National Security Law. The restoration of normalcy in Hong Kong society is a testament to the effective implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. I am firmly convinced that the present moment offers an ideal opportunity to press forward with the legislation of the Article 23 national security bill. Moreover, I maintain that enhancing the legal framework of the Hong Kong SAR to meet national security imperatives is a crucial step toward ensuring that offenses threatening national security are addressed with fairness and expediency.
I eagerly anticipate the successful passage of the national security bill, which promises to comprehensively address national security vulnerabilities, foster a stable social milieu in Hong Kong, and, more importantly, alleviate the public's apprehensions, culminating in an improved governance structure for Hong Kong. Such a development would not only steer Hong Kong from effective governance to prosperity but also pave the way for a thriving future. It would also empower all sectors within Hong Kong to devote their energies to bolstering the economy.
Throughout the legislative process, it is my belief that the SAR government has judiciously balanced the imperative of safeguarding national security with the need for economic advancement. Given Hong Kong's stature as an international financial center, the legislation's precise delineation of offenses pertaining to foreign interference is commendable, mitigating additional compliance burdens for foreign businesses. This clarity is a vital factor in securing Hong Kong's economic stability.
As we stand at this pivotal juncture of legislating Article 23, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 5th anniversary of the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", we can anticipate that the successful completion of this legislative endeavor will afford the SARs of Hong Kong and Macau more comprehensive legal safeguards. Consequently, the collaboration and development between Hong Kong and Macau are poised to enter a new phase, exemplifying the central government's pledge to uphold "one country, two systems," guaranteeing a high degree of autonomy, and securing the continued prosperity and stability of both regions while promoting economic growth and enhancing the well-being of their citizens.
I earnestly hope that the enactment of this legislation will amplify the momentum for Hong Kong and Macau to capitalize on their unique strengths and attributes, extend their influence actively contribute to the construction of the Greater Bay Area, aligning with the high-quality development objectives referenced by Premier Li Qiang in his government work report.
I fully endorse the SAR government's progress in advancing the legislative work of the national security bill. It is my aspiration that upon completing this historic task, the SAR government will lead Hong Kong into an era marked by even greater stability and a solidified social foundation, thereby creating more favorable prospects for economic growth and societal advancement.
President, this concludes my remarks. Thank you.
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