Secretary for Security Chris Tang has issued written notices to three companies related to the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper to give them an opportunity to make representations before he recommends the Chief Executive to strike the firms off the Companies Register.

Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited and AD Internet Limited had earlier been convicted along with the paper’s founder Jimmy Lai of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and a conspiring to print seditious material, and each firm was fined HK$3,004,500.

A spokesman for the Security Bureau noted that Article 31 of the National Security Law stipulates that companies which have been been punished under the law shall be suspended, or have its licence or business permit revoked.

"Taking into account the relevant circumstances of the case, including the conviction and seriousness of the offences committed by the three companies relating to Apple Daily, the Secretary for Security now considers that it is necessary for safeguarding national security to prohibit the operation or continued operation of these three companies in Hong Kong, and therefore intends to make a recommendation to the [Chief Executive-in-Council] to consider exercising the power under section 360C of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) to order the Registrar of Companies to strike the three companies relating to Apple Daily off the Companies Register," the spokesman said in a statement.

The three firms have been given until February 25 to make written representations, which will be submitted to the Chief Executive.

The spokesman added that should the CE order the Registrar of Companies to strike the three companies off the Companies Register, the firms would become 'prohibited organisations', and individuals who act as a member or give any aid to such groups face fines of up to HK$1,000,000 and 14 years in prison.

"Safeguarding national security is a matter of fundamental importance,” the spokesman stressed.

“Endangering national security is a very serious offence. Such acts or activities may lead to extremely grave consequences. The Government of the HKSAR will, as always, resolutely, fully, and faithfully implement the [Hong Kong National Security Law], the [Safeguarding National Security Ordinance], and other relevant laws of the HKSAR for safeguarding national security to effectively prevent, suppress, and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, and prohibit the operation of organisations that engage in activities endangering national security in the HKSAR", he said.