CE: Electoral reform closes national security loopholes

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Thursday that the improvements the nation's top legislature approved to the city's electoral system will close loopholes and fix flaws that were being used to endanger national security.

The city's No 1 official made the remarks at a news conference after the National People's Congress passed a decision to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Lam refuted claims that the move is a setback to the city's democracy and will narrow the opportunities for political participation.

Lam said the system defects have led to unpatriotic disruptors infiltrating Hong Kong's political system, some even endangering national security. They have used their power and public offices and platforms to harm the city, she added.

For example, some lawmakers neglected their official duties to travel to the US to demand sanctions on Hong Kong, Lam said.

What has happened in the city has become intolerable to the central government, which had to step in and correct the system flaws that were being used to endanger national security, she said.

The actual situation on the ground needs to be taken into consideration, regardless of various forms of democratic systems, Lam said.

Lam also expressed "staunch support" and "sincere gratitude" for the passage of the decision.

She pledged that the HKSAR government will fully cooperate and press ahead with local legislation.