Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp reacted strongly to the proposed legislation in late May 2020, and called it "an end of 'One Country, Two Systems'."
There's also mounting concerns about Legco's autonomy, as the National People's Congress said it would bypass the local legislature and impose the new law on Hong Kong.
Scroll down for the full script.
(Aired on ViuTV Six on 22 May 2020)
Full Script:
Anger over the proposed national security law meant yet another petition to Beijing's Liaison Office in Hong Kong.
But not without police interference.
Activists and Democratic Party lawmakers were warned about violating social-distancing rules.
That concern pales in comparison to some people's fears about Beijing's grip.
(Voxpop)
"I think Hong Kong people will lose their freedom of speech and everything."
(Voxpop)
"If we speak our minds, the government might think you are threatening the country's health or security and could arrest you."
Pro-democracy lawmakers aired their grievances at Legco's House Committee meeting, later suspended because of the petition on worries that "Hong Kong is turning into Xinjiang."
(Soundbite, DENNIS KWOK, Civic Party lawmaker)
"I foresee that the international status of Hong Kong as a city, an international city, will be gone very soon."
Even religious groups have voiced concerns that their activities could be regarded as "seditious" and face harsh crackdowns in future.
Activists say they won't give up without a fight.
(Soundbite, LEE CHEUK-YAN, Activist)
"Xi Jinping is burning Hong Kong and China will burn with us."
At the other end of the political spectrum, the pro-establishment camp was asked why Beijing sees a need to bypass Legco.
(Soundbite, ALICE MAK, FTU lawmaker)
"We have waited for 23 years for the legislation of Article 23 in Hong Kong. Do you still have any confidence in the legislation in Hong Kong?"
But the bigger question is: what about Legco's autonomy?
President Andrew Leung side-stepped that.
He instead focused on his support for Beijing's decision.
(Soundbite, ANDREW LEUNG, Legco President)
"They cannot tolerate anymore, and therefore they have to put a resolution to enact the legal system to help Hong Kong, and also to help the national security loophole, to plug the loophole.
This is definitely not the end of 'One Country, Two Systems'."
In a statement, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she will "fully cooperate" with the NPC Standing Committee to complete the legislation as soon as possible.
- ENDS -