Secretary for Justice Paul Lam on Sunday said authorities hope to complete the legislation of Article 23 as soon as possible, and that this constitutional responsibility cannot be delayed.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, the justice chief pointed out that the current National Security Law, which covers four types of crimes, is not Article 23's replacement.

He explained that Article 23 would cover seven types of crimes.

The justice chief also noted that Hong Kong’s legal system has improved significantly within the past two decades.

He said many homegrown talents have excelled in the legal sector, and that the industry’s achievements should be applauded. Lam added that legal practitioners should also stay humble in order to further improve.

He added that given the lack of locally-trained law students in the past, the territory’s legal sector mainly consisted of foreign judges and lawyers.

However, he said that a vast majority of judges now are born in Hong Kong, adding they also have good reputations abroad.