HONG KONG, July 5 (UPI) -- A top Chinese government official Saturday pointedly endorsed the controversial anti-subversion bill being debated in Hong Kong.
The official, left unidentified by the Xinhua news agency, said he agreed with Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, who earlier in the week called the law a prerequisite for revitalizing the economy and providing for the enclave's security.
The mainland official said he hopes the new law is adopted on schedule.
Opponents staged a massive demonstration protesting the law, known as Article 23. Opponents said the bill would restrict personal rights and freedom.
Tung said the bill would be modified to scrap a provision allowing some groups to be banned, add protection for journalists who publish classified information and would not let police conduct searches without warrants.
"After repeated and detailed discussions, we have decided to make amendments to further allay people's fears," Tung said Saturday.
The legislature is scheduled to vote on the bill next week.
