Top HK officials, leaders back national security law

Chief executive says legislation is within purview of central authorities

Hong Kong's top officials and community leaders have thrown their support behind a decision by the nation's top legislature to introduce a national security law for the city.

They said the move was necessary and within the purview of the central authorities in light of the often-violent protests that have hit Hong Kong for almost a year.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests was the constitutional requirement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the duty of the Hong Kong government, and also in the interests of residents.