A former undersecretary for security, Sonny Au, has been appointed as the Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. He replaces Eric Chan who became Chief Secretary last month.

The State Council announced on Monday the approval of the appointment on the nomination and suggestion of Chief Executive John Lee.

Lee said Au possessed a strong sense of national security and is well versed in national security affairs.

"He is capable of taking up the post of Secretary General to lead the Secretariat in supporting the Committee to fulfil its crucial responsibility to safeguard national security," the CE said in a statement.