Chief Executive John Lee on Monday said the government is prepared to complete Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation next year.

Lee made the remarks at a seminar for Constitution Day, during which he also stressed that the Constitution is vital to the nation's development and modernisation.

“Chinese modernisation needs the support of the Constitution. Similarly, when we tread this new path of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, we need the support of the Constitution and the Basic Law,” Lee said.

He noted the government is dedicated to completing Article 23 national security legislation to “put in place a good and effective system” – along with the National Security Law – to safeguard national security as well as the city’s prosperity.

“Article 23 is a constitutional duty of the Hong Kong SAR to enact laws to prohibit any acts that might undermine national security. The government is making full preparations to complete the legislative exercise next year,” Lee said.

Echoing the CE, Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office, called on Hong Kong to enact Article 23 to create a more stable business environment for global investors.

Separately, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development in Tuen Mun to mark Constitution Day. The ceremony was officiated by Secretary for Justice Paul Lam.