Hong Kong Handover 29th Anniversary: John Lee States Article 23 Legislation Historically Completed

(Central News Agency, reporter Zhang Qian, Hong Kong, July 1) The Hong Kong authorities today held flag-raising ceremonies and receptions to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover. In his speech at the reception, Chief Executive John Lee emphasized that he has established a safe and stable Hong Kong during his four years in office and that the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law has been historically completed.

The reception was held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning. Lee stated in his speech that four years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his address at the inauguration ceremony of the current SAR government, put forward "Four Musts" and "Four Points of Hope," which became his policy blueprint.

He said that over the past four years, he has transformed the government culture, established a "results-oriented" government, solved long-accumulated problems in Hong Kong, and built a safe and stable Hong Kong. The local legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law has been historically completed, strengthening the barrier for safeguarding national security.

In addition, the government has improved the electoral system, strengthened district governance, and fully implemented the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong."

In his speech, Lee also reviewed the government's key work in areas such as transportation, housing, and the economy, and emphasized that the government is formulating Hong Kong's first "Five-Year Plan" to guide the direction of Hong Kong's economic and social development.

He said that the SAR government will focus on three areas of work in the future: first, to fully compile the "Five-Year Plan"; second, to fully advance the construction of the Northern Metropolis; and third, to further improve people's livelihoods.

In addition to the flag-raising ceremony and reception, the SAR government, as always, awarded medals and appointed Justices of the Peace to individuals who have contributed to society today. These medals include the highest honor, the Grand Bauhinia Medal, followed by the Gold Bauhinia Star, the Gold Medal for Bravery, and the Silver Bauhinia Star, among others.

Furthermore, 65 individuals were appointed as Justices of the Peace by the Chief Executive.

This medal awarding ceremony by the SAR government follows the practice of the British colonial era, with only the names of the medals changed.

During the British colonial era, Hong Kong adopted the British system of honors and awards to recognize individuals who contributed to society, including the Order of the British Empire, which was divided into five classes according to rank and included titles of knighthood.

Justices of the Peace also existed during the Hong Kong British government era and continue to this day.

The law stipulates that Justices of the Peace have certain public powers and can inspect correctional institutions (prisons), detention centers, or other institutions to ensure that these places are effectively managed and that no one is treated unfairly or has their rights exploited. For example, prisoners can complain to a Justice of the Peace, and their complaints will be handled in a fair and transparent manner.

Therefore, from the British colonial era to the present day, the social status of Justices of the Peace has been highly valued. (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150701

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