Originally submitted in February, the bill completed its legislative process following general approval and detailed review by the Third Standing Committee. It grants the commission the exclusive power to determine whether specific matters involve national security and to make legally binding decisions.
These decisions and related opinions are not subject to legal appeal or litigation, and the commission’s work will remain free from interference by any other local entities or individuals.
To strengthen national security efforts across broader sectors, the legislation expands the commission’s membership. The directors of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Education and Youth Development Bureau, and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau will now join the existing secretaries as members.
A permanent secretariat has also been established, with the Secretary for Security serving concurrently as secretary-general. Additionally, the bill clarifies the specific duties of national security affairs and technical advisers.
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Regarding legal procedures, the bill amends the Judicial Organisation Framework Law to introduce a permission mechanism for legal representatives. If a judge suspects a case may involve national security, it must be referred to the commission for a binding determination and the activation of relevant protection mechanisms. If the commission confirms that a public trial would compromise national security, the judge must order closed-door proceedings.
The legislation also establishes an exclusive mechanism for the commission’s expenditure and monitoring. Every expense requires approval from the Chief Executive or the authorised secretary-general, who must submit an annual expenditure record to the Chief Executive at the end of the year. Furthermore, the government must submit and publish an annual management report on these funds to the Legislative Assembly.
The law will come into effect on the day following its publication in the Macao Special Administrative Region Gazette.
