BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A commentary to be published on Sunday's People's Daily expresses firm support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the HKSAR government to govern in accordance with the law.
The commentary says the central authorities firmly support the HKSAR government in safeguarding the rule of law and legitimate rights of its residents, firmly oppose external forces in interfering with Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs and support the HKSAR's decision to suspend amending ordinances concerning the transfer of fugitive offenders in order to solicit more opinions.
The Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, which was promulgated before Hong Kong's return to the motherland, does not apply to other regions of China including the mainland, Macao and Taiwan, according to the commentary, adding that the loopholes in the Hong Kong legal system was exposed last year in a Taiwan murder case involving a Hong Kong suspect.
The amendment exercise is both a response to the need of solving individual cases and a key move to plug the legal loopholes. It is in line with the Basic Law of the HKSAR and helps demonstrate Hong Kong society's rule of law and justice, according to the commentary.
Safety is the basic guarantee of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, while the rule of law is a core value cherished by Hong Kong society, the commentary says, adding that the central authorities firmly support HKSAR government's amendment exercise with an aim to improve Hong Kong's legal system and faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" policy.
The commentary says people from all walks of life in Hong Kong are encouraged to promote the fine traditions of respecting the rule of law, inclusiveness, rational communication and maintaining law and order.
The commentary calls for broadest unity under patriotism and love for Hong Kong and consolidating social harmony and stability.
Hong Kong's affairs are purely China's internal affairs that brook no intervention by any country, external organization and individual, the commentary says. "We urge relevant sides to immediately stop interfering with Hong Kong's affairs in any form and refrain from doing anything that harms Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," it adds.
The central authorities will unswervingly implement the policy of "one country, two systems" and the Hong Kong society is sure to dispel doubts to reach consensus after the HKSAR government's hard work and a rational discussion participated by all sides of society, the commentary says.
The international good image of rule of law in Hong Kong will be jointly safeguarded, it says.