Another landmark step will be taken today in what is becoming a rapid march towards the passing of controversial new national security laws in Hong Kong.
Sixty groups and individuals will line up at Legco to express their views on the government's blue bill, in the third and final public participation session.
Ahead of the session, Solicitor-General Bob Allcock revealed to the South China Morning Post that a package of proposed amendments to the bill is likely to be put before the Executive Council for approval before lawmakers complete their scrutiny.
Participants at the public session will be given just five minutes to speak, with the Law Society and Bar Association competing for space with the April Fifth Action Group and the Tseung Kwan O Fujianese Association.
The process has been labelled a charade by lawyers and legal academics who fear that a combination of the Sars outbreak, party politics and the government's determination to have the bill passed by July are preventing rational debate of crucial legal issues.
Former Bar Association chairman Ronny Tong Ka-wah SC, said: 'I have come to the rather pessimistic point of view that if they want to pass these laws in record time, let them do so. History will say one of the most important pieces of legislation Hong Kong has ever passed was rushed through in three or four months, and the so-called public consultation is an absolute farce.'