As Hong Kong prepares to launch its legislative process regarding the National Anthem Law, local political heavyweights, including the city's soccer association leader, stressed the importance of Hong Kong people showing respect for the anthem and the dignity of the nation.

They said the local legislation should be enacted as soon as possible and take into account the difference between the law on the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong's common law system.

Their remarks came after the country's top legislature, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, voted on Saturday to include the National Anthem Law in Annex III of the Basic Laws of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.