The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) has submitted views to the Security Bureau today (February 21) on the legislative proposals for Basic Law Article 23 legislation. The HA supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to complete local legislative work on Basic Law Article 23 as soon as possible, in order to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.
The HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, said, "Commencing the legislation of Basic Law Article 23 is our constitutional duty towards the country. Completing the legislation as early as possible can plug national security loopholes and lessen threats to national security. Upon completion of the legislation, Hong Kong can then go all out to boost the economy, strive for development and work together to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity, stability and the well-being of citizens. Therefore, the Basic Law Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong is the right way to go.
"The public healthcare system and its facilities are crucial in protecting Hong Kong citizens' health, as well as in ensuring Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. In the past, our public healthcare facilities have been damaged, and our healthcare services have been disrupted. These imposed tremendous risks to the operation of the public healthcare system. Thus, there should be no delay in the Basic Law Article 23 legislation. Only when a firm legal system and enforcement mechanisms are established can Hong Kong citizens' health be protected."
Mr Fan suggested that the Government should continue to deliberate the legislation, so that members of the public can understand more clearly the importance and key points of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation. He also appealed to members of the public, especially healthcare professionals, that they should seize the opportunities and get together, to provide the Security Bureau with their views on the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, and to support the prompt completion of the legislation. In this way, Hong Kong can be back on the right track and excel again in different aspects, sustaining its stability and prosperity.
"National security is the important cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and it enables citizens to live well and thrive. Only by maintaining national security, there will be peace and stable governance in Hong Kong. The HA fully supports the HKSAR Government in completing the Basic Law Article 23 legislation as soon as possible, so that Hong Kong can have a more stable and smooth development."
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