National security bill grants central gov’t jurisdiction and limits legal oversight

The Legislative Assembly plenary session recently passed the draft law on the Committee for Safeguarding National Security unanimously, with 32 votes in favor, while Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King remarked that only “those with ulterior motives who wish to undermine China and destabilize Macau would oppose the passage of this law.”

Addressing the plenary session on Tuesday, the Secretary said that the National Security Law would benefit ordinary residents, referencing a recent conversation with a social service professional.

He remarked, “Some social workers mentioned passing through a park in Taipa in the afternoon and seeing the entire park filled with children after school, with parents bringing many children to play there. This scene made them feel very happy and gratified, as the social environment provides the next generation with a safe place to grow up.” He asserted that the bill will have no impact on the rights of ordinary residents in their daily lives, work, or freedom of speech.

“A more robust and efficient legal system for safeguarding national security will foster a safer and more stable social environment in Macau, allowing residents to live free from turmoil or fear,” he added.

The bill stipulates that national security is under the jurisdiction of the central government, with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security making decisions based on macro-level national security and political considerations. As a result, neither the region’s executive nor judicial organs can review the committee’s decisions or opinions, which often reflect central government policies and directives.

Under the bill, lawyers must obtain special permission from a judge to participate in national security litigation, with such permissions requiring the binding opinion of the committee. After this permission is granted, no objections or judicial appeals may be filed.

Additionally, the bill allows the Chief Executive to authorize certain expenditures without formal procedures when necessary for safeguarding national security, based on the Secretary-General’s recommendation.

The Secretary-General can also approve specific expenditures within their authorized scope without following formal procedures.

For security reasons and special operational needs, the appointment and removal of Secretariat personnel will not be publicly announced. The Secretary for Security will also serve as Secretary-General, and it is proposed that the Secretaries for the five policy areas, along with the chiefs of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), and the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), be included as members of the committee.