As a frequent traveller to Singapore, I despair upon my return to this city and the taxi trek home along a highway surrounded by grotty human warehousing on one side and goods warehouses on the other.

This stands in stark contrast to the lush greenery surrounding the highway from Changi airport.

I go to the beach in Hong Kong to find that all of the food and beverage outlets have been shut because of some silly rule about outdoor seating. Now the government is talking about reclaiming land along the Sandy Bay waterfront, destroying yet more of the SAR's coastline.

The Hong Kong government does many things to make life better for its citizens, for example, introducing 10-year driving licences that can be renewed by post, making it possible to pay taxes online and allowing us to leave and enter the SAR on a thumb print. But to say that the leadership ''don't get' things like food or parks' is an understatement.

Here's hoping the new chief executive takes the issue seriously.

Laurel West, Pok Fu Lam

Work was necessary at two parks

I refer to the letter by Michelle Lee ('Department's park projects are pointless', May 3) and would like to explain the necessity of the works recently undertaken at Quarry Bay Park and Victoria Park.

The ground surface near the west entrance of Quarry Bay Park was repaved in January with new tiles because the old paving blocks, which had been in use since 1994, were found to be damaged, and had undulation and water logging problems as a result of wear and tear.

The new tiles are commonly used in other public parks; and the material is non-slippery, more durable and easier to maintain than the old paving blocks. The draining condition and heat dissipation of the resurfaced area have also improved. As for the works being carried out in the area between No 3 and No 4 soccer pitches of Victoria Park and on the footbridge connecting to Hong Kong Central Library, they are part of the improvement works to upgrade the tactile guide path, which is essential to meet the latest standards as prescribed by the barrier- free building regulations for the visually-impaired.

The works in the parks might have caused some inconvenience and noise nuisance to users, but we hope members of the public would appreciate that such works are needed to maintain the standard and safety of our facilities.

Winnie Lee Fung-ming, chief leisure manager (Hong Kong East), Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Medal winner sets fine example

Jamie Wong Wan-yiu, the Hong Kong cyclist who was awarded a silver medal in the 2010 Asian Games, is a heroine in my eyes. She is also a role model for Hong Kong people and all athletes.

I think her poignant story is uplifting. She has overcome misfortune and has a very strong spirit.

Shortly after becoming a member of the Hong Kong cycling team, she won a medal in the Asian Junior Cycling Championship. She has achieved a lot of success, thanks to her training schedule and perseverance. All Hongkongers should be proud of what she has done.

In the Asian Games in 2010, she fractured a rib. However, she insisted on completing the race and despite the pain she won a silver medal. Her willpower and perseverance showed the essence of our Hong Kong spirit. She was unwilling to give up despite her injury. We should learn from her indomitable spirit. She definitely sets a good example for all athletes.

Her achievements can teach us the importance of sportsmanship. People must realise that whether they win or lose, the important thing is to spare no effort when you are in a competition. We can all benefit from her experiences.

Her stories are proof that there is no such thing as a free lunch. We must equip ourselves for the challenges that we will all face in our lives. She has taught us that sacrifices must be made if you are to achieve anything.

Cheng Ka-lok, Sha Tin

Filibuster is a valid tactic in Legco

I refer to your editorial ('Pan-democrats' filibuster tactics in the Legislative Council win few friends', May 4).

It goes without saying that it is a constitutional duty of lawmakers to enact laws. Equally (or more) importantly, lawmakers have the duty to block any unjust laws.

The controversial by-election bill is a notorious example of an unjust law. The bill seeks to deprive one's right to stand in an election, contradicting the principles of democracy. Any pan-democratic Legislative Council member should be committed to blocking it.

However, under the current political system favouring Beijing loyalists, pro-government lawmakers constitute the majority of the legislature. The bill is likely to be passed if the usual legislative procedure proceeds.

No doubt, as your editorial suggests, 'the pan-democrats are entitled to amend or vote against it'. But what's the point of voting against the unjust law if it is doomed to be passed in this lopsided legislature?

Filibustering is the only effective way to delay the bill's enactment. This delaying tactic is commonly practised in the legislatures of democratic countries, such as Britain, Canada and the US. It is particularly meaningful in our legislature to censure any unjust laws proposed by the undemocratic government.

Lawmakers Albert Chan Wai-yip and Wong Yuk-man should be applauded for making genuine efforts to hinder the legislation of the by-election bill. Their attempt is a novel step to fight against any government acts which are contrary to justice, fairness and democracy.

Michael Ko, Sham Shui Po

Fencing in cattle is not feasible

Jason Ali has favoured us with another of his tirades against feral cattle living amongst us ('Fence in cattle or put them down', May 2).

I do not believe he is so naive as to believe that his proposal to fence them has any chance of being implemented, given the obvious practical issues involved. So he is in effect arguing for their demise - almost an annual theme of his.

Cattle and buffalo on Lantau (and in other parts of the New Territories) have never been fenced - that was not the way of the villager owners.

They have existed on Lantau well before Mr Ali entered this world and decided to live on the island. However they offend him so they have to go.

Mr Ali, along with most of us, can choose where we wish to live. He has chosen an island with feral cattle and buffalo, but he wants them gone.

Had he chosen Kenya, we might see him railing for the extermination of elephants, or in India the tiger.

The management and protection of public spaces can help reduce any conflict, as another writer has argued, but in the end it comes down to acceptance of the realities of nature where you choose to live.

Clive Noffke, Lantau

Mobiles kill the art of conversation

I think overuse of mobile phones has become a serious problem. You see people checking their mobiles in the street, in restaurants and on different forms of public transport.

The original aim of mobile phones was to increase people's interaction and communication, but that is not what is happening now.

I have always enjoyed meeting with friends. In the past we would all have a lot to talk about. But now, many friends will take out their mobile phones and, often, a meeting will descend into silence. I find this development infuriating. What is the point of friends meeting up if they just switch on their mobiles instead of having a conversation?

People need to realise the importance of real friendships and face-to-face communication. It makes no sense to socialise just using a machine.

The real world should be about communicating with real people and expressing your emotions though communication. Life will become really boring if people are reduced to communicating through a machine.

I am concerned about the future of communication and society. I urge people to make the effort to talk to each other rather just using their mobiles.

Adrian Leung Ho-ting, Tsuen Wan