Most newspapers ran editorials criticising the proposed changes as restricting freedoms.
According to Sing Tao Daily News, the two ordinances were a retrograde step influenced by China to reinstate draconian laws. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movement in China had been targeted and the concept of 'national security' could be abused.
The Oriental Daily News said the proposals aimed at striking a balance between civil liberties and social order were 'by no means harsh'. But some details such as the definition of terms and provisions about Taiwan had not been thought through.
Ming Pao said some restrictions suggested were even tighter than provisions in the Basic Law.
The Hong Kong Economic Journal said China should also be banned from giving donations to political groups. The Wen Wei Pao said the consultations indicated the Special Administrative Region government was democratic, open and transparent.
