'Public security' could be open to abuse, say critics
Law enforcement officers needed the power to conduct covert surveillance on the grounds of public security to stop terrorists and transnational criminals using the city as a base, lawmakers heard yesterday.
Permanent Secretary for Security Stanley Ying Yiu-hong said the Interception of Communications and Surveillance Bill must have provision for such methods in cases that did not involve the commission of a serious crime in Hong Kong.
The Legislative Council Bills Committee is debating the bill, which states that law enforcement agents may be authorised to use hidden surveillance devices to prevent or detect serious crime or protect public security.
Lawmakers have questioned why the term 'public security' is necessary, given that it lacks a precise definition and may broaden the scope of the powers given to officers. They asked what was covered by public security that did not constitute a serious crime in Hong Kong.
Mr Ying told of a case where intelligence suggested a person living in the city belonged to a clandestine overseas network and was involved in smuggling materials used to produce weapons of mass destruction in another country.