CSB organises second seminar on “Understanding the Constitutional Order and Safeguarding National Security” (with photos)

     The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) is running a series of seminars for directorate and senior civil servants under the theme of "Understanding the Constitutional Order and Safeguarding National Security". Further to the first seminar on July 9, covering the topic of "The Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law", the second seminar, which covers the topic of "The implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' and the Basic Law" took place today (August 9).
 
     The seminar was delivered by Vice-Chairperson of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Ms Maria Tam, and member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee Mr Johnny Mok, SC. The seminar covered the core spirit of the Basic Law, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and the importance and necessity of improving the electoral system of the HKSAR.
 
     Addressing the seminar, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, quoted the important remarks made by Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Xia Baolong, in February this year, that "(t)o ensure the steady and sustained implementation of 'one country, two systems' and keep it on the right path, it is imperative for the administrators of Hong Kong to fully and faithfully understand and implement the policy".
 
     Mr Nip stressed that "The civil service is the backbone of the HKSAR Government, shouldering the responsibilities of thoroughly implementing 'one country, two systems' and supporting the HKSAR Government in the administration of Hong Kong. It is of utmost importance for civil servants to understand accurately the constitutional order established under the Constitution of our country and the Basic Law. With the country's development moving ahead in the new era and the implementation of 'one country, two systems' turning a new chapter, civil servants must enhance their knowledge and have an accurate understanding of the core essence of 'one country, two systems', so as to support the HKSAR Government in fully implementing the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' and ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems' ".  
    
     The seminar was attended by around 480 civil servants in the directorate and senior ranks. In view of the large number of participants, some participants took part in the seminar through simulcast at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library.
 
     The third seminar of the series will be held in September. It will cover the theme of safeguarding national security and the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR, and have Ms Elsie Leung, former Vice-Chairperson of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee, as the speaker.