The passage of the National Security Bill by the Legislative Assembly today filled a longstanding legal vacuum and fulfilled an inevitable constitutional obligation of the Government and the legislature, according to a Government statement.

The statement was read by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, after the Legislative Assembly completed the clause-by-clause discussion and voting of the bill.

The administration was deeply encouraged by the passage of the bill and extended gratitude to the legislators and residents for their efforts in the legislative process, she said.

It was the longstanding stance of the Government that it was necessary for the SAR to legislate to protect national security with a view to fully implementing the Basic Law, according to the statement.

The legislation was also the indisputable and unavoidable constitutional obligation for the Government and Legislative Assembly.

The patriotism shown by the residents during the legislative process would be valuable for the consolidation and advancement of the SAR in the future.

The Government reiterated that it would continue to govern in accordance with the law and ensure that the residents would continue to enjoy the fundamental rights and freedom enshrined in the Basic Law, including the freedom of speech, of the press and of publication.

It would also strike an appropriate balance between protecting the national security and the fundamental rights and freedom.

The Government would launch an extensive promotion campaign to ensure the proper enforcement of the law, beginning with training sessions for staff of law enforcement authorities and judiciary, she said.