On Tuesday, the government presented to the public its proposal for an anti-subversion law that would give police broader investigative powers and set harsher penalties for serious crimes against the state. The maximum penalty would be life imprisonment.

Responding to lawmakers' questions in a special session yesterday, Security Secretary Regina Ip said the government hoped to see the bill, which is due to be formally presented to the Legislative Council early next year, enacted by July.

"Why should we drag our feet? We should strive for efficiency," Ip told the legislative panel. "Resources in the community are precious."

She downplayed public concern over the legislation, suggesting that only scholars and lawmakers were likely to study it carefully.

"Do you think that a worker in McDonald's or a taxi driver will study the provisions in great detail?" Ip said.

(eastday.com September 27, 2002)