Measured approach of justice secretary will help Hong Kong move on
- Pledge to use city’s new domestic national security law only in compelling circumstances and to promote ‘soft power’ suggests a subtle change in government stance
The passing of a new domestic national security law paved the way for Hong Kong to start a fresh chapter, with the focus shifting to much-needed efforts to improve the city’s economy. That transition will be easier if the legislation is applied sensitively and the heat taken out of the discourse surrounding the laws, which has seen strident exchanges with critics overseas.
The views of Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, expressed in an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, are therefore welcome. They suggest a subtle but significant change in the government’s approach as the city looks to move on.
Lam pledged the new law – involving crimes such as treason, sedition, external interference and state secrets – will only be used in compelling circumstances.
There have not been any arrests in the first month of its operation. This is not surprising as the environment is very different to that which existed following Beijing’s passing of an overarching national security law for the city in 2020, in response to months of civil unrest the previous year.
Since then, order has been restored.
The new legislation will, no doubt, be used when needed. But, as Lam said, it should be utilised only when strictly necessary.