Secretary for Justice Paul Lam says the government will continue to uphold national security while safeguarding human rights and the rule of law.

He was speaking in an interview with the Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group ahead of the National Security Education Day on Wednesday.

"What kind of national security is Hong Kong talking about? First, it is not absolute security, meaning we won't sacrifice many important values just for the sake of security. We won't put the national security label on everything.

"That is not our attitude, and it is not our principle.

"Second, we pursue 'open-style security.' We insist on protecting basic human rights and freedoms. We insist on the principle of the rule of law – for example, respecting the court's independent judicial power when handling national security cases."

Lam cited the case of Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, saying his national security trial showed Hong Kong's judicial independence was not interfered with by outside forces.

He added that safeguarding national security is "only right and proper."

"We strongly emphasise using the rule of law to handle national security issues. We should not let others influence our decisions on what should or should not be done," he said.

"If something should be done, you must do it even if others criticise it subjectively."

Lam also said the government will use cross-bureau cooperation to strengthen education on national security.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk said that while Hong Kong's overall social order is back on track, people should not be complacent.

Speaking at an event to mark the National Security Education Day, he said some people with ulterior motives are still waiting for an opportunity to act, trying to fan the flames and stir up trouble.

Their goal, he said, is to provoke public dissatisfaction with the government and cause chaos in Hong Kong again.

Speaking at the same event, Police Commissioner Joe Chow compared national security to air and sunlight — saying that without it, survival is difficult.

He said everyone benefits from national security and should, at the same time, take responsibility in safeguarding it.


Edited by Edmond Fong