The Hong Kong government on Wednesday pushed back against criticism of the city’s newly-passed national security legislation, saying it firmly condemns slanders and smears from western countries, politicians and media, as well as various anti-China groups and individuals.

In a statement, a spokesman said their remarks are “totally unfounded and fact-twisting… they also entirely disregard the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the legislation on economic development and protection of human rights.”

The spokesman noted that there was widespread support for the new legislation during the public consultation exercise, as well as from various sectors, including the commercial, legal, real estate, youth and other professional sectors and political parties, after the bill was unanimously passed by the legislature on Tuesday.

“All those raising opposing comments were external forces, as the legislation will increase their cost of and difficulty in endangering our national security,“ the spokesman said.

The statement also stressed that the legislative process was conducted according to established procedures, and was diligently scrutinised by lawmakers who raised almost 1,000 questions resulting in 91 amendments.

The spokesman said the new law expressly safeguards rights and freedoms, while protecting normal commercial activities and international exchanges.

He accused the United States and other western countries, along with anti-China organisations, politicians and fugitives of continuing to smear and slander the Ordinance, “fully exposing their hypocrisy and arrogance, as well as their malicious intentions to harm Hong Kong.”

“Their despicable manoeuvre with politics is doomed to fail."

Separately, Secretary for Security Chris Tang issued a statement expressing his strong disapproval towards British Foreign Secretary David Cameron who earlier made critical comments about the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

In a statement, Tang wrote that Cameron's criticisms showed his hypocrisy and double standards, adding that his disregard for facts and gross interference in the matters of Hong Kong were seen very clearly by the general public.

"The Ordinance only targets an extremely small minority of people who endanger national security, with the aim to protect the lives, property, freedoms and rights of the people of Hong Kong," Tang said.

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Last updated: 2024-03-21 HKT 12:55