On the clear summer night of July 9, Hong Kong's usually subdued business hub came alive. Some 50,000 fluorescent sticks lit up Central near the Legislative Council chambers, while songs and chants of democracy protesters echoed through the skyscraper canyons. The temporary stage at Chater Gardens was surrounded by a mass of people dressed in white and swathed in yellow ribbons to signify their opposition to the proposed Article 23 legislation. Thundering applause erupted at 9pm when 22 pro-democracy legislators, leaders of the fight against the government's introduction of the controversial national security laws, stepped on stage. By the time political party leaders had taken turns speaking, the crowd had reached boiling point. Claudia Mo, host of the vigil, then asked the people to choose a speaker from a group of independent lawmakers. The choice was obvious and the crowd began to chant the name of Audrey Eu Yuet-mee. Apparently touched by the overwhelming response, an emotional Ms Eu, also dressed in white, took the microphone: 'Hong Kong citizens, how are you?' she asked, her voice loud. 'Have you eaten dinner yet?' Greeted by roars of approval, Ms Eu encouraged the public to continue their fight for democracy and the direct election of the chief executive and legislature. 'Before July 1, people felt a sense of helplessness and hopelessness, but the situation has changed. Do Hong Kong people have hope?' she asked the now-hushed gathering. Almost chanting in unison, the crowd responded with a resounding 'Yes!' The scene certainly left a deep impression on those who were there, but when asked about the overwhelming support for her, Ms Eu replies modestly: 'Sometimes different issues affect different legislators more, it really depends on the time and issue.' Ms Eu, a former Bar Association chairman, won the Hong Kong Island by-election by a wide margin in December 2000. Since then, she has become a household name in Hong Kong, known for her professionalism, diligence and willingness to speak out on controversial issues. She's also known for her flair for fashion - once wearing her opposition to the security bill in the form of yellow ribbon earrings. Ms Eu may look serious when commenting on TV or debating at Legislative Council meetings, but she rarely loses her temper, regardless of how heated the discussion may be. As a barrister-turned-legislator, Ms Eu says she is accustomed to different points of view and does not grow frustrated when people do not agree with hers. 'You are not always right,' she says. 'I only get frustrated when people don't tell the truth or the whole truth. What gets me upset, frustrated and angry is when it's a clear issue of black and white and someone refuses to acknowledge it. I don't think I've lost my temper many times. I'm not that kind of person who keeps banging on the table and shouting. But I did get angry on a few occasions,' Ms Eu confesses. Such an occasion arose recently when the government refused to acknowledge there were pitfalls in the national security laws and that its handling of the public consultation process was biased. Her approachable attitude and easy charm have helped her become a hero in the eyes of Hong Kong people who opposed what they perceived to be government bulldozing on the national security laws. She attended most of the bill's committee meetings, scrutinising the draft bill, and never shying away from challenging the government over perceived loopholes. When the issue of Article 23 legislation first arose last year, a group of lawyers and academics, including Ms Eu, who is a senior counsel, formed the Article 23 Concern Group. To help the public gain a deeper understanding of the draft laws, a set of seven pamphlets outlining the 'seven sins' in the draft bill were published. The pamphlets were printed in the seven colours of the rainbow, which Ms Eu describes as a 'symbol of hope'. She admits, however, that none of the organisers of the campaign against the draft bill had imagined things would be changed as a result of their efforts. 'We did it because we thought it was the right thing to do,' Ms Eu says. While other participants joining the July 1 mass march dressed in black, members of the Article 23 Concern Group chose to dress in the Bar's white polo shirt and protected their heads from the scorching sun with rainbow-coloured hats. Looking back, Ms Eu says she is 'very happy' that they chose the rainbow theme. 'It's dawned on me that maybe subconsciously we've never lost hope.' The turn of events that followed the historic 500,000-strong march on July 1 surpassed all expectations. Before the unprecedented show of people power, which marked the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to Chinese rule, few would have imagined the public could really make a difference, given the SAR government's track record. But four days after the rally, the government buckled to demands for amendments to three of the most controversial provisions in the bill, including the scrapping of a clause allowing Hong Kong to outlaw groups linked to organisations banned on the mainland - though Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa insisted it be put to a vote on July 9 as scheduled. The immense pressure from the public forced Liberal Party chairman James Tien Pei-chun to make a stunning move - resigning from the Executive Council one day after the amendments were announced - when his calls to delay the bill were rejected. His move effectively forced the government to delay resuming its second reading. Although the government's move has been seen as a result of bowing to political pressure, Ms Eu says: 'Political reality is based on people's power. Without the march, the Liberal Party wouldn't have changed its stance.' Since the rally Mr Tung has accepted the resignation of security chief Regina Ip Lau Shuk-yee and promised a new round of consultation on the bill, details of which have yet to be announced. Despite the government's change of heart, Ms Eu urges people not to let down their guard, as uncertainties remain about the future of the bill. The public's focus may be on Ms Eu's opposition to the controversial proposed law, but behind the scenes she has continued to work on a variety of issues. In the legislative year just ended, Ms Eu took part in 31 bill committees - out of a total of 42 - diligence that has earned her a reputation as the 'queen of bills'. Of her experience at the bills committees, she says sometimes it is gratifying if government officials are willing to listen to different views, lawmakers are willing to compromise and both sides can reach a satisfactory solution. But there have been many occasions that left her feeling frustrated. 'You can make a point and not get much interest from other members. Quite often bills committees are not well attended, with only three to four people there, government can be very stubborn and refuse to listen ... you can go on without achieving anything,' she says. Emotions aside, Ms Eu says she has learnt a lot during the process, gaining more understanding about government policies and practices and the law-drafting process. Apart from pursuing a busy legislative agenda, she also attends various public functions, organises free litigation classes and legal consultation services to the public and helps solve problems in her capacity as a legislator. Despite her work in Legco over the past three years, Ms Eu admits: 'I'm in no doubt, I prefer life as a barrister to that of a legislator. I like being a lawyer. I like analysis, argument and reason. I don't think I'm a politician, even though I'm supposed to be one. I do not belong to any party. I think if you're really a committed politician, you really ought to join a party,' she says. But she remains tight-lipped on whether she will stand for re-election. 'You will know soon, it's not that far away. I'm sure there comes a time when everybody knows their intentions,' she says.
