A view of 'Lisboa' seen from in front of the 'Wynn' casino in Macau.
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Macau authorities have announced plans to amend the National Security Law.
According to Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK on the 23rd, Wong Sio Chak, Macau Secretary for Security, referred to recent Taiwan visit by Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and made the statement the day before.
Secretary Wong specifically explained that the amendment process will include changing the charge of ‘subversion of the central government’ to ‘subversion of state power.’
He mentioned China and Hong Kong, saying, “Macau is facing new and significant issues and challenges, and there is a need to strengthen the basis for safeguarding national security.”
He added, “Through this, we hope to overcome the shortcomings and problems of the National Security Law enacted in 2009 and that the law will provide protection standards at the same level as China and Hong Kong.”
He stated, “This will help prevent and punish acts that threaten national security and effectively block foreign interference.”
Additionally, Secretary Wong expressed a desire for acts seeking separatism and incitement to be punished and hopes that the National Security Law will have effect beyond Macau’s territory.
Macau authorities plan to gather public opinion on the amendment bill until October 5 and push for legislation in early November.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong National Security Law, cited by Macau as an example, allows for life imprisonment as the maximum penalty for crimes such as ▲national division ▲subversion of state power ▲terrorist activities ▲collusion with foreign forces.
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