April 26, 2023
HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that organizers of public rallies should ensure that they do not violate national security rules or impede on the rights of others ahead of the Labor Day holiday.
Speaking to members of the media before the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee stressed that “for public activities on the May Day and other events, the organizers have to make sure the activities are conducted in a lawful way”.
“That means the events cannot be contrary to the national security. They also have to be in line with the public order and security”, Lee said.
Those events should also not impede on the rights and freedom of other members of the public, said the chief executive, adding that if residents expressed their opinions through public rallies, they needed to make sure the activities were conducted in accordance with the law.
“The commissioner of police has the duty under the Public Order Ordinance to consider the relevant factors in deciding whether to issue the letter of no objection”, said the chief executive, adding that additional conditions “might be imposed in issuing the letter”.
Public rallies should not impede on the rights and freedom of other members of the public, said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, adding that if residents expressed their opinions through public rallies, they needed to make sure the activities were conducted in accordance with the law
Regarding a series of public activities organized for the “Happy Hong Kong” campaign, Lee said the campaign will encourage local spending and boost the city’s economy, together with the latest batch of the consumption vouchers.
On Monday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and other officials announced the campaign, providing city residents with different activities, including amusements and food events.
Gourmet fairs that highlight local produce will be held in different districts in the coming months, along with other public events, including the Harbour Chill Carnival, I&T and cultural activities for the public, Lee added.
Lee also expressed his hope that members of the public will have a great time through a series of public activities.
Asked whether the government would speed up the development in the Southern District, he said the office of the Invigorating Island South was taking forward development according to plan and the government was proceeding the initiative in a smooth and orderly manner.
The office was “the mastermind driving forward this plan with the cooperation of different bureaus and departments”, Lee said, adding that “under the government’s established procedures, if comments are received, higher levels of the government will be in charge of the coordination to handle the comments.”