I do understand what you are getting at. You are suggesting it is a fear of the unkown. You are wrong. It is a fear of the known. The 'speak' from local officials now resembles the tone and style of the mainland. They are calling protesters terrorists when in most countries they would not even be classified as rioters. The Government and their organs are unable to be trusted with the powers they have so giving them more is clearly not in the public good.
The HK Legislative branch no longer functions with powers stripped away. With the rigged majority and any delaying tactics taken away or criminalised the opposition that represent the majority are powerless to shape laws. It is no longer a legislature but a rubber stamp. So it is not possible for HK to define and decide laws anymore.