HKSAR Celebrates 5th Anniversary of National Security Law with Forum on Legal Safeguards and Youth Involvement.

Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum

​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government held the 5th Anniversary ofPromulgation & Implementation ofHong Kong National Security Law Forum today (June 21), inviting renowned legal experts and academics to review the legislative intent and background of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), and discuss the fruitful achievements since the implementation of the HKNSL,in the afternoon session of the Forum. The Secretary for Justice,MrPaul Lam, SC,alsoengagedwith young leaders from various sectors to convey the message that national security is closely relatedtocitizens,enablingmembers of the public to understand the importance of uniting everyone's strength in building agreat wallforsafeguarding national security.

In the afternoon session of the Forum, MrLam said in his welcome remarks that the most important direction for safeguarding national security in the future is to balance the relation between security and development, strictly adheringto the principle of rule of law and the requirements of respecting and protecting human rights and freedoms set out in Articles 4 and 5 of the HKNSL. This,he said, wouldenablemembers of the public to study, work and live withpeace of mindand unite to seek breakthroughs and changes, overcomingvarious challengestoconsolidate Hong Kong's status as an internationalcentreinseveralareasandencouragingpeople from abroadto bewilling and eager to come to Hong Kong fortheirdevelopment.

The Director of the Research Office of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee and Macao Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress,MrYangZhaoye, delivered a keynote speech in which he examined the significance and remarkable achievements of the implementation of theHKNSLover the past five years, as well as its key role in safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and people's livelihood.

There were two panel sessions in the Forum. With the theme of "The legal great wall for refining and safeguarding national security", legal experts andacademics reviewed in the first session the legislative intent and background of the HKNSL. They also had an in-depth discussion on how national security is effectively safeguarded under the compatibility and complementary of the laws including the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National SecurityOrdinance, and looked ahead to the future development oftheHKSAR's legal system for safeguarding national security.

In the second session,titled "An arduousandimportant journey – our youth sharing the mission to safeguard national security",MrLamengagedwith young leaders from various sectors to explore the vital role of young people in safeguarding national security,and envisagefurther jointendeavoursbetween the Government and the community in enhancing legal literacy. This, he said, wouldbetterjointlypromote the concepts of "security brings prosperity" and "respecting and observing the law",and have them rooted in the community, enabling members of the public to identifythemselvesclosely with the harmony and stability brought about by national security,making "being patriotic and lovingHong Kong" a mainstream value among thecity'syounger generation.

Concluding the Forum, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, said that today's Forum aimed toprovidean in-depth and broad discussion loaded with insights andhumour.He added that the number of young attendees of the Forum was believed to be the highest in the history of national security legal forums held by the Department of Justice. He said that safeguarding national security is the responsibility of every generation and must be passedfrom generation to generation.Dr Cheungalsoemphasisedthat Hong Kong has builtlegal protectionmeasuresfor safeguarding national security,and thatHong Kong's future will be bright as long as the city remains vigilant at all times, seizingthe opportunity to integrate into the national development and deepeninginternational exchanges and co-operation.

Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

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