Separatists urged to turn over a new leaf

"People need time to understand and adapt whenever a new law comes into being, but of course I wonder if the protesters really know the national security legislation. People have been causing trouble since 2014, and such disturbances will not disappear immediately. We knew that some people would make trouble on Wednesday, but the havoc they wreaked was less than what I expected."

Referring to demonstrators waving Hong Kong independence banners and flags in public, Tam said this is prima-facie evidence of a secession offense. "Based on what is seen, police can prosecute them, but if police can find more evidence to prove their intent to secede from the country in addition to such behavior, there is a stronger case," she said.

In Tam's eyes, the law can also put an end to violence and chaos, bringing Hong Kong back to peaceful days, economic revival and a restart from the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will also ensure that "one country, two systems" will go on smoothly in Hong Kong under a well-established legal system because "one country, two systems" cannot continue without "one country", she added.