Everyone in Hong Kong must know how to respect and safeguard China’s fundamental system, Justice Secretary Paul Lam said on Monday, adding that this is a prerequisite for One Country, Two Systems to be thoroughly implemented.

At a forum on One Country, Two Systems and the Basic Law, Lam said the SAR government will enhance education to increase people's knowledge in this area.

“All of Hong Kong’s residents should have the awareness to respect and safeguard the nation’s fundamental system, which is stipulated in our constitution. I have said it on other occasions...the key is to nurture their awareness, so they not only know the system, but will be willing to follow the system,” he said.

Lam noted that Chief Executive John Lee has also pledged to promote legal education.

The secretary said the Department of Justice will in future invite people from different sectors to help build a strong foundation for the precise implementation of One Country, Two Systems. He did not elaborate on the plans.

Speaking at the same event, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk urged people to be vigilant against smear campaigns by western countries against China and Hong Kong.