Hong Kong is at a critical juncture of advancing from stability to prosperity, the city’s leader said on Saturday, stressing that his government is fully committed to deepening reforms, developing the economy, and improving people’s livelihood.
With stability being the foundation for development and reform, John Lee Ka-chiu underscored that only by strengthening the solid defense in national security can Hong Kong effectively respond to various risks and challenges.
He made the statements while officiating at the 2025 Fight Crime Conference organized by the Fight Crime Committee (FCC) at the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong.
Nearly 400 participants exchanged views on topics relating to law and order, crime-fighting strategies, scam prevention and anti-drug abuse at the event.
Noting that it was the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law, the CE said the conference, making "promoting and safeguarding national security" one of its themes, comes at the right time.
He expressed his hope that the FCC and the District Fight Crime Committees will continue to assist the special administrative region government in promoting crime prevention, contributing to maintaining Hong Kong’s law and order.
In his welcome remarks, Chief Secretary and FCC Chairperson Eric Chan Kwok-ki said he believes that the FCC and District Fight Crime Committees will pool their wisdom to carry out related work more comprehensively, with a view to building the city into a better and safer home.
Three plenary sessions at the conference covered national security education in the community, drug abuse and deception, with Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Keith Yip Wan-lung moderating them, respectively.
FCC members as well as chairpersons and representatives of District Fight Crime Committees were invited to share their experiences.
In his closing remarks, the city’s security chief said the discussion and sharing were meaningful, and relevant opinions will be considered.
He stressed that the SAR government will do its utmost to safeguard national sovereignty, maintain public order, and combat crimes, with a view to creating a safe and stable environment for Hong Kong so that society can focus on economic development and improving people’s livelihood.
The CE and other top officials encouraged the public to cast their votes in the Legislative Council General Election scheduled for Dec 7.
Among other officials attending the event were Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, Permanent Secretary for Security Patrick Li Pak-chuen, Acting Commissioner of Police Andrew Kan Kai-yan, Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching, Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze Chun-fai, Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing, and Director of Home Affairs Priscilla To Kit-lai.
