The Liaison Office of the Chinese Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) supports, understands and respects the decision made by Chief Executive Carrie Lam to suspend the exercise to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance, an official in charge of the liaison office said here Saturday.
The purpose of the SAR government to put forward the legislative proposal to amend the ordinances was to plug a loophole in the existing legal framework and demonstrate social justice, which bears legitimacy and necessity, the official said.
"We firmly oppose any foreign forces meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and strongly condemn the radical and violent acts of a small number of people. We resolutely support Hong Kong police force in lawfully maintaining Hong Kong's rule of law, social stability and its residents' rights and interests. We believe that through rational discussions, all walks of life in Hong Kong will rightly understand the content of the proposed amendments to the two laws, reach consensus and make joint efforts to maintain Hong Kong's rule of law," he said.
The official said that since she came into office two years ago, Chief Executive Carrie Lam has been upholding the principle of "setting no easy goals and avoiding no difficult tasks" and leading the SAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with law and assuming a proactive role, which has always been highly recognized and fully trusted by the central government.
The liaison office will remain steadfast in supporting the chief executive and the SAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with law, maintaining the order of rule of law in Hong Kong society and safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents, so as to secure Hong Kong as a prosperous and stable home for all, the official said.
