Chief Secretary Eric Chan said on Sunday that safeguarding national security is always an ongoing process.

He stressed that the SAR government will keep improving the legal system to construct systemic safeguards for long-term peace and stability.

The minister was speaking at a flag raising ceremony by disciplined forces and youth groups marking five years since the National Security Law came into effect.

"The Hong Kong National Security Law is a stabilising force and a strong shield that protects the SAR. It protects the fundamental well-being of the people, as well as the long-term stability of the One Country, Two Systems principle," he said at the ceremony held at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O.

"Over the past five years, the judiciary has strictly tried national security cases in accordance with the law, demonstrating the fairness and authority of the law."

Chan went on to say that the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under Article 23 of the Basic Law last year complimented the security law introduced five years ago.

He said the laws protect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, allowing society to focus on economic development.