More than 18,000 submissions have been sent to the government on its proposals for national security laws based on Article 23 of the Basic Law, indicating the issue has gripped the public more than any since the handover.
Political and legal commentators are waiting to see how the government reacts to the views of the public after the consultation period ends on Tuesday.
The number of responses - which could have been boosted by organisations for and against the proposals issuing simple submission forms for the public - is believed to be a record for any consultation since the handover.
And many citizens have taken to the streets to express their views. Last Sunday, an estimated 60,000 protested against the legislation, while tomorrow a demonstration will be held in favour of the laws.
A community that gave at best a mild response to the paper when it was first issued in September grew increasingly concerned during the three-month consultation period. And with those in favour of the laws also mobilising support, there were worries the debate was splitting society.
The international community also took a keen interest, with the US State Department issuing a statement and the British Parliament discussing the issue. There were protests in Canada and Australia.
