Hong Kong residents holding national flags pose for a photo with a banner celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the passage of the national security law, at the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, July 1, 2020. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong's prominent legal groups and practitioners said Thursday that the newly enacted law on safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) applies only to a very small number of criminals who endanger national security.

They added that it can also protect the legitimate rights and freedoms of the vast majority of Hong Kong residents.

Maria Tam Wai-chu, deputy director of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee under the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that, according to the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that came into force on Tuesday, the Committee for Safeguarding National Security established by the HKSAR is responsible for the HKSAR upholding national security affairs, taking up the main responsibility for safeguarding national security.

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The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government (CPG) in the HKSAR exercises jurisdiction over a very small number of crimes against national security. All these provisions show that the central government trusts the SAR's ability to shoulder the corresponding constitutional responsibilities, Tam added.

Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, chairwoman of the HKSAR Legislative Council's Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services, said that the new law has taken into account both the need to safeguard national security and the unique situation of Hong Kong

Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, chairwoman of the HKSAR Legislative Council's Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services, said that the new law has taken into account both the need to safeguard national security and the unique situation of Hong Kong.

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In particular, sufficient adjustment has been made with regard to the legal system while the actual situation of Hong Kong was fully taken into account

Leung urged all sectors to work together on the promotion of the law so that all residents in Hong Kong know that the HKSAR is part of the territory of the People's Republic of China and to prevent any activities that harm the interests of the country, the feelings of the people, the national dignity and national security.

Law Society of Hong Kong President Melissa Kaye Pang said the law shows the central government's confidence in and respect for Hong Kong's legal system.

In many countries in the world, cases involving national security usually fall under the jurisdiction of the central or federal agencies. But the national security law for Hong Kong allows the Hong Kong Police Force, the HKSAR government's Department of Justice and Hong Kong's courts to handle the cases, she pointed out.

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The Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation said in a statement that the NPC Standing Committee has solicited views and opinions from the various sectors of Hong Kong and has thoroughly considered the specific circumstances of Hong Kong in many aspects.