Chief Executive John Lee said on Sunday that an effective national security legal system will be completed after the introduction of national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law next year.

Speaking at a national security knowledge competition for schools, the CE said that under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the SAR has the responsibility to enact its own laws to prevent acts and activities that pose a threat to national security.

Lee said the government has already started preparing for the introduction of these laws to fulfil Hong Kong's constitutional duty to protect national security.

"The Constitution is an important basis for the enactment of Hong Kong's National Security Law, and there are special provisions in the Constitution for the protection of national security, including provisions relating to the protection of the fundamental system of the state, the safeguarding of national unity and national solidarity, the protection of state secrets, and provisions relating to the safeguarding of the sovereignty and development interests of the state," he said.

Justice Secretary Paul Lam, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the significance of national security in everyone's lives. He said that learning about national security during school years can help students develop a strong sense of national identity and understand their civic responsibilities from an early age.