Hong Kong's controversial national security laws moved a step closer to reality yesterday when the government pushed ahead with the legislative process, announcing it will publish a blue bill tomorrow.
The move effectively means that widespread calls for a white bill, which would enable a second round of public consultation, have been rejected by officials.
But the government sought to reassure its critics by saying that the blue bill, to be presented for scrutiny in the Legislative Council on February 26, will state clearly that interpretation and implementation of all its provisions must comply with the international human rights safeguards enshrined in Article 39 of the Basic Law.
Opponents were not impressed by the assurance, however, and condemned the government for going straight to the Legislative Council with the draft laws. This, they said, will make it more difficult for the package to be further liberalised through amendments.
In a statement in Legco yesterday, Secretary for Security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee summarised the key concepts and definitions in the blue bill, which the Executive Council endorsed on Tuesday.
Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that Hong Kong will enact its own laws against subversion, treason, sedition, secession, theft of state secrets and other national security crimes.