The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) resolutely supports a decision by the central authorities concerning establishing and improving at the national level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong SAR, in order to safeguard national security.
A legal proposal has been tabled at the National People’s Congress for deliberation. It has been drafted in line with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of Hong Kong.
The central authorities’ decision is a timely and vigorous response to the challenges lately endangering national security. Such legislation is a constitutional responsibility of the National People’s Congress as the country's highest organ of state power.
In recent years, the country has seen critical challenges regarding national security: more frequent secession and subversion moves by hostile external forces have been attempted across the country, including in Hong Kong and Macao. Additionally, terrorist activities in neighbouring cities have lately been escalating and there has been stronger effort by external forces to intervene in China’s domestic affairs.
National security is a cornerstone for ensuring the long-term prosperity and social stability of Hong Kong and Macao. Safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests is a duty and responsibility shouldered by all citizens across the nation including those in Hong Kong and Macao.
Since the establishment of the Macao SAR, the Macao community has shown its strong support for the Macao SAR Government regarding work aimed at further safeguarding national security. In early 2009, Macao completed its local legislation for the Law on Safeguarding National Security. In 2018, Macao set up a committee to safeguard national security, a body to coordinate and enforce local initiatives relating to national security.
Safeguarding national security is a key premise and essential foundation in order for Macao to maintain its sound security environment, robust economic development, and the well-being of its people. Macao has been effective in preventing intervention by external forces, and has unwaveringly upheld the principle that the Central Government exercises overall jurisdiction for the whole of the Macao SAR. Such achievements have come within the framework of Macao’s enjoyment of a high degree of autonomy, ability to exercise independent judicial power, and the protection of rights and freedoms enjoyed by Macao’s people.
Macao will dedicate further effort to optimise pieces of local legislation concerning the safeguarding of national security, while stepping up promotional effort within the community regarding awareness about the safeguarding of national security.