At a Lunar New Year celebration event this morning, Lau said the next five years are a key period as Hong Kong is set to enter a new stage of prosperity from order and stability.

Lau hoped the government and Heung Yee Kuk will remain in close contact as authorities’ grand town development plans will require the coordination of indigenous residents in the New Territories.

Lau defended that the Hong Kong National Security Law is necessary as he pointed out that foreign forces have been spreading false information to smear the governments in Hong Kong and Beijing and to achieve their own political agendas.

Heung Yee Kuk, under his lead, will continue its role as a relentless promoter of the “one country, two systems” principle and will be a part of it, instead of watching on the sideline only, Lau added.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alica Mak Mei-kuen praised Heung Yee Kuk’s contributions to society as the organization helps government better understand people’s opinions and occasionally stage activities that promote traditional Chinese cultures.

She continued that Heung Yee Kuk has been assisting in government’s administration all this time and serving as a bridge that connects authorities and residents. Mak also hoped the two sides can build a better Hong Kong together in the future.