ONCE DESCRIBED by some analysts as a major source of embarrassment for the government, Secretary for Security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee has emerged as one of the most articulate ministers, who can talk tough and fight hard battles.
The past week has seen her give a masterful display of skills in moderating public fears over the contentious proposals on an anti-subversion provision, Article 23, of the Basic Law.
Even though most government-friendly lawmakers have been reticent to join the fray - at least for the time being - Mrs Ip has survived the salvos from pro-democracy legislators at a special panel meeting on Thursday.
Appearing on radio phone-in programmes on Wednesday, Mrs Ip noted with satisfaction initial public and media response to the proposals had been 'mild'.
Bearing in mind the hyper-sensitivity of national security, Mrs Ip and her colleagues perhaps already have had some champagne to celebrate initial success in the public relations battle.
The fact Mrs Ip is in charge of the security portfolio aside, analysts believe the government has made a wise decision in putting her on the front line.