Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor holds a press conference in Hong Kong, March 11, 2021. (CALVIN NG/CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Thursday that the improvements the nation’s top legislature approved to the city’s electoral system will close loopholes and fix flaws that were being used to endanger national security.

The city’s No 1 official made the remarks at a news conference after the National People’s Congress passed a decision to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Lam refuted claims that the move is a setback to the city’s democracy and will narrow the opportunities for political participation.

Lam said the system defects have led to unpatriotic disruptors infiltrating Hong Kong’s political system, some even endangering national security. They have used their power and public offices and platforms to harm the city, she added.

Upon the passage of the amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law by the NPCSC, the HKSAR government will enact the needed local legislation as soon as practicable, and conduct the relevant elections efficiently in light of the actual circumstances in Hong Kong.

 Carrie Lam, HK chief executive

For example, some lawmakers neglected their official duties to travel to the US to demand sanctions on Hong Kong, Lam said.

What has happened in the city has become intolerable to the central government, which had to step in and correct the system flaws that were being used to endanger national security, she said.

The actual situation on the ground needs to be taken into consideration, regardless of various forms of democratic systems, Lam said.

Lam also expressed “staunch support” and “sincere gratitude” for the passage of the decision.

READ MORE: China adopts decision to improve HK electoral system

She pledged that the HKSAR government will fully cooperate and press ahead with local legislation."Upon the passage of the amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law by the NPCSC, the HKSAR government will enact the needed local legislation as soon as practicable, and conduct the relevant elections efficiently in light of the actual circumstances in Hong Kong, including the pandemic situation," according to a statement issued by Lam earlier Thursday.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung and Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah have expressed similar sentiments in separate statements.

Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, president of the Legislative Council, hopes that after the NPCSC has completed the relevant amendments, the executive authorities of the HKSAR will expeditiously present the draft local legislation to LegCo for scrutiny, so that the relevant elections can be held in an orderly manner in the next 12 months.

He also hopes that the government could make efforts to explain the relevant bills clearly to LegCo members and members of the public to ensure the smooth implementation of the new electoral system.

Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu said he fully supports the NPC's decision and will lead the disciplinary forces to fully cooperate and continue to fulfill resolutely the responsibility of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and ensuring the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

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Commissioner of Police Tang Ping-keung, Commissioner of Customs and Excise Hermes Tang, Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang, Commissioner of Correctional Services Woo Ying-ming, Director of Fire Services Joseph Leung and Controller of the Government Flying Service (GFS) Wu Wai-hung all expressed their full support for the NPC decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR for the interest of its residents.

In another statement, a spokesman for the HKSAR government said it welcomes the National 14th Five-Year Plan and will proactively integrate Hong Kong into the national development.

The fourth session of the 13th NPC on Thursday also approved the "Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035".

The spokesman expressed gratitude for the central government's support for the future development of Hong Kong in various key areas, according to the statement.