Regina Ip will be remembered for her hairstyle, trendy sunglasses, fashionable outfits and, above all, her controversial style and approach in handling a range of politically sensitive issues - the last of which was the National Security Bill.
The unconventional civil servant-turned-minister in July last year has been the subject of political satire in newspaper cartoons and protest material used in demonstrations.
It was her firmness, if not stubbornness, in sticking to her ways that won her as many supporters as foes from different sectors of society.
Often appearing combative and pugnacious in public, Mrs Ip can be rather more engaging when in a more relaxed environment. While remaining resolute in forcefully putting forward her views, she does so with a sense of humour and sometimes even with a smile. Fiercely independent, whether talking about her dress sense or her role as the first female leader of a disciplined service, she is not afraid to express her feelings.
But she provokes strong, and often contrasting, reactions. One senior civil servant spoke harshly of her swift switch of loyalty to the central government. Another senior civil servant has said: 'She is a real leader ... She treats her staff extremely well.' A former colleague of hers said: 'It's not fair to put the blame on her. She's not the one who makes the final decision.'
Her strong character and tough work style, however, put her on a collision course with a coalition of staunch opponents to the National Security Bill - both over its content and legislative process.