The court convictions against radical legislators Raymond Wong Yuk-man and Albert Chan Wai-yip for unlawful assembly have not only reaffirmed one of Hong Kong's core values - rule of law - but also flagged a timely warning to advocates of the "Occupy Central" campaign: Political appeals are no excuse for any illegal activity.

The sentences handed down on the pair by Eastern Magistrates' Court demonstrated that the rule of law is treasured as much as freedom of expression in Hong Kong, and the city's well-established legal system is always ready to deal with rogue persons in due course.

The rule of law is considered one of the cornerstones of social stability and economic development, the absence of which will eventually result in social and economic disaster.

The disruption and demise of the rule of law has seen riots, murders, massacres and economic disasters in many parts of the Middle East and Africa even in this civilized era of the world.

In this sense, knowingly damaging Hong Kong's rule of law is nothing short of maliciously sabotaging the long-term economic prosperity and social stability of the city.

Advocates of the "Occupy Central" campaign are doing exactly this as they have openly declared their intention to paralyze the heart of Hong Kong's central business district.

The move is not only a barefaced challenge to the legal institution and a blatant affront to law and order but will also instantly inflict huge damage on the economy and the livelihood of the city's people.

By whatever standards and measurements, disagreement on the format of universal suffrage by no means outweighs people's livelihood and well-being.

It will be naive and foolish for the "Occupy Central" advocates to expect Hong Kong people to forgo the rule of law - or more precisely their well-being - in favor of their ill-motivated political campaign. The court's verdict should serve as a wake-up call for these advocates.

The author is a current affairs commentator.

(HK Edition 05/22/2013 page1)