Chief Executive John Lee on Monday said the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) has brought about social stability and protected people's lives.

He added that the SAR remains the world's freest economy, and its future is bright.

In comments published in multiple newspapers marking the fifth anniversary of the enactment of the security law, Lee noted that Hong Kong is third in global financial centre and competitiveness rankings, and it's projected to become the world's largest wealth management centre within a few years.

He said the enactment of the NSL came at a critical time for Hong Kong, when anti-China and external forces continuously challenged the bottom line of One Country, Two Systems.

The CE thanked the central government for acting decisively at a critical moment to address the shortcomings and loopholes in the city's legal system.

He also pointed out that the SAR last year fulfilled the constitutional duty of enacting the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in line with Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Separately, a government spokesperson noted that the implementation of the NSL was a watershed moment in Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order and represents an important milestone in the undertaking of One Country, Two Systems.

Looking ahead, the spokesperson said that the SAR government will strive steadfastly to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical risks.