MACAO, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held a plenary session on Thursday, during which it unanimously passed the bill for the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao SAR.

According to the legislative body, the bill, in the form of law, clearly stipulates the committee's functions, composition and operational framework, providing it with a more solid legal foundation.

Safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the highest principle of "one country, two systems" and a constitutional responsibility of the Macao SAR, the SAR government stated. It vowed to fully support the committee in performing its duties in accordance with the law and to continue improving the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.

Legislator Leong Sun Iok told Xinhua that the measures reflect the SAR government's strong commitment to national security, ensuring that the committee has full legal backing when performing its duties and coordinating the work of various departments.

The bill helps build a robust national security framework and safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao's social and developmental landscape, he added.

The bill will enter into force on the day following its promulgation in the Official Gazette of the Macao SAR. ■