HKSAR LegCo unanimously passes milestone bill to better safeguard national security

The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday passed the safeguarding national security bill, a milestone by the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional duty as stipulated under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law.　

The bill was passed in a unanimous vote during the third reading at the LegCo. According to the HKSAR's law-making process, when a bill has been given three readings, it becomes an ordinance enacted by the LegCo.　

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said after the vote that the passage of the bill is a "historic moment." "It is a proud moment for all of the HKSAR in collectively making glorious history," he said.　

"History bears witness to this important moment, witnessing our joy, inspiration and pride, and witnessing our collective contribution to the glorious history of the HKSAR," Lee said.　

After his signing, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will be gazetted and take effect on March 23.　

(Reported by Luo Siyu; Edited by Wang Xiaoting)