Chief Executive John Lee on Friday signed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which was passed by the Legislative Council earlier in the week.

The homegrown national security legislation will take effect upon gazettal on Saturday.

“It signifies that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility as stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law to enact local legislation to safeguard national security, and accomplished a historic mission, living up to the trust placed in us by the Central Authorities and the country," the CE said.

Lee added that the legislation will bring safety, stability and prosperity to society, which will make Hong Kong an even more attractive place for enterprises and investments.

The CE stressed people’s rights and freedoms will be well protected under the law, and that the SAR government will continue to enhance public education to help society better understand the need to protect national security.

"From tomorrow on, the national security of the HKSAR will be more effectively safeguarded, allowing Hong Kong to move forward without worries or burden,” he said.

“The HKSAR government will continue to lead Hong Kong in fully focusing on economic development, improving people's livelihoods, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city, with a view to creating a brighter and more abundant future together.”