Deputy Commissioner (National Security) (DCP NS) Lau Chi-wai is about to retire. Looking back on her 38-year police career, she takes most pride and honour in leading the National Security Department (NSD) to assist the Force in fulfilling its duty to safeguard national security. She also encourages her colleagues to brave future challenges in national security.

The unprecedented social turmoil triggered by the incidents against an amendment bill in 2019 highlighted the serious threat faced by Hong Kong in the national security domain at that time. The Hong Kong National Security Law was promulgated in Hong Kong at the critical juncture, and Madam Lau accepted the gruelling task to lead NSD in maintaining national security. So far, phased results have been achieved in stopping and cracking down on acts that endanger national security. Madam Lau recalls, “Heading the Force department that is responsible for safeguarding national security is the most glorious mission in my police career of 38 years. I felt distressed and indignant when I saw Hong Kong being ravaged by external forces and violent turmoil. Therefore, I hoped to do my best to assist the Force in fulfilling its duty of safeguarding national security and serving the country.”

Madam Lau says that the duty to maintain national security has never been an easy task. It all depends on the patriotic NSD team. She comments, “NSD officers share the passion of patriotism for the country and for Hong Kong with common goals and values. Everyone overcomes all difficulties, performs their duties, and takes maintaining national security as their own responsibility. Their hard work and dedication are indispensable. I am very grateful to them for trusting and supporting me all along.”

Although Hong Kong is recovering its vitality gradually, with major international events and conferences being held one after another and people’s lives having returned to normal, Madam Lau describes the national security situation in Hong Kong as being turbulent and full of undercurrents. “Anti-China disruptors in Hong Kong are still actively infiltrating our society with ideas that are harmful to the national security by ‘soft resistance’ or disseminating seditious information. The risk of domestic terrorism cannot be ignored, either. External forces will do everything possible to suppress the Central Government and the HKSAR Government.”

The Force stands at the forefront to safeguard national security. It has the responsibility to effectively implement the Hong Kong National Security Law and other existing laws in Hong Kong to prevent and stop activities that endanger national security. Madam Lau hopes that every officer of the Force can understand their own roles. She also encourages her colleagues to stay alert at all times, be brave to shoulder responsibilities, face up to challenges and do their best to fulfil the mission of protecting our society and defending the country.