I think it is time to consider Pamela Pak Wan-kam as Hong Kong's next Chief Executive. Who else could turn the tragedy of a prison sentence into such a media triumph? During her horrific 60 days of incarceration, she has managed to read a book, lose weight and brush up on her current affairs.

No one could deny she has suffered. It may take her years to recover from the trauma of becoming deskilled in make-up application. Her newly discovered talent for cleaning toilets should encourage her to believe that it is never too late to learn new skills.

DEBORAH WARTON