John Lee Ka-chiu formally submits his application for upcoming Chief Executive election in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Photo: Wen Wei Po

John Lee Ka-chiu, the only candidate for Hong Kong's Chief Executive Election, said on Friday that based on the constitutional duty to Hong Kong, he would push for enacting the legislation of the Article 23 of the Basic Law as soon as possible once elected. 

He said Hong Kong residents must stay vigilant, understand national security, and take sufficient control of national security threats, which is one part of his policy proposal. 

The former chief secretary made the remarks to the media near his campaign office on Friday, marking the second National Security Education Day after the territory  implemented the national security law for Hong Kong. 

Lee said there were sad incidents in the past in Hong Kong when national security was under threat which also injured both society and individuals. 

Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that the Hong Kong government shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition or subversion against the central government.

Lee on Wednesday was confirmed as the sole candidate for Hong Kong's Chief Executive Election. More than 1,400 Election Committee members will cast their ballots on May 8.

He said on Friday that the next step he and his team will focus on forming his policy proposals, and he would visit communities and people of different sectors. 

In support of the National Security Education Day, the Hong Kong Civil Service College launched a series of on-line learning resources on the theme of "National Security" to enhance civil servants' understanding of national security.

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Patrick Nip, said on Friday that civil servants are the backbone of the Hong Kong government, and it is incumbent upon them to acquire an accurate understanding of the Hong Kong National Security Law, enhance awareness of safeguarding national security and act in accord fully with the Hong Kong government in discharging its duty to safeguard national security, according to Hong Kong government.

The national security related activities are also organized among teachers and students. 

Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Education said that Hong Kong attaches high importance to teachers' understanding of national security, including organizing legal experts to lecture and distribute books on Hong Kong's national security law. 

Global Times