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Published: 09:45, May 19, 2023 | Updated: 13:02, May 19, 2023
Macao SAR Legislative Assembly passes amendments to NSL
By Xinhua
Published:09:45, May 19, 2023 Updated:13:02, May 19, 2023 By Xinhua

This undated file photo shows the flag of the Macao Special Administrative Region. (PHOTO / VCG)

MACAO/BEIJING - The Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region on Thursday passed a bill containing amendments to the Law on Safeguarding National Security at a plenary session.

Macao completed local legislation on safeguarding national security and enacted the law in 2009.

The Macao SAR government hailed the passage of the law as a compulsory step that plays an important role in responding effectively and in time to overall security risks and threats, and further improving the "one country, two systems" principle, in order to better coordinate and safeguard the security and development interests of the country and of Macao.

The Macao SAR government said it will spare no effort to optimize related legislation and law enforcement mechanisms required from Macao in order to support the national security system, while fully and precisely implementing the newly amended national security law

Safeguarding national security is essential to ensuring the long-term stability of the country and the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao. It is also a shared obligation of all Chinese people, including Macao compatriots, the SAR government said in a statement.

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Since 2009, the Macao SAR government has carried out in an orderly manner relevant law enforcement work and related regulatory work, with a view to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The Macao SAR government said it will spare no effort to optimize related legislation and law enforcement mechanisms required from Macao in order to support the national security system, while fully and precisely implementing the newly amended national security law.

The Macao SAR government will also devote further effort to strengthening awareness in the community regarding national security, while uniting forces from the whole community to safeguard the constitutional order stipulated in the country's Constitution and the Macao SAR Basic Law, in order to fully and accurately implement the holistic view of national security, and ensure the stability of "one country, two systems" principle.  

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Safeguard fundamental interests

A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council said the bill passage has significant implications for comprehensively and accurately implementing the "one country, two systems" policy, better protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests, maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in Macao, and safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Macao residents

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council acknowledged that the passage is an important measure for the Macao SAR to improve its legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security.

The spokesperson for the office said that the bill passage has significant implications for comprehensively and accurately implementing the "one country, two systems" policy, better protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests, maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in Macao, and safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Macao residents.

The spokesperson highlighted that since Macao's return to the motherland, the SAR has placed significant importance on fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard national security. This commitment demonstrates the sense of responsibility and determination of both the Macao SAR authorities and society to safeguard national security, and it deserves full recognition.

ALSO READ: CE: Macao to earnestly safeguard national security

In line with 'one country, two systems'

The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR also voiced support for the passage of the bill.

Noting that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the supreme principle of "one country, two systems," a spokesperson for the office said the Macao SAR government effectively fulfilled its constitutional duty of safeguarding national security by amending the law in the face of changes in internal and external security situations.

The amended law is in line with the "one country, two systems" principle, stipulations in the country's Constitution and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, and the requirements for implementing the overall concept of national security, the spokesperson said.

READ MORE: Macao judiciary police sets up new national security unit

The passage of the amendments will help further improve the legal system and mechanism of the SAR for safeguarding national security, further prevent and punish criminal activities endangering national security, and further guarantee the rights and freedoms of Macao residents and a sound business environment in Macao, the spokesperson said.

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