Unfortunately, many voters might choose to vote for the candidate willing to make the largest number of promises in social welfare provision.

Our society cannot afford to be let down by the failures of an inefficient government.

This could lead to the decline of Hong Kong, especially since neighbouring cities are posing an increasing threat to our status as the international financial centre and premier tourist destination in the region.

We need a strong leader to sustain the current prosperity and harmony and ensure that the next generation enjoys that same level of prosperity.

A case in point is the plight of the government of Taiwan, led by president Chen Shui-ban.

Despite the fact that he won a resounding victory, Taiwan is not improving socially or economically.

You frequently see demonstrators taking to the streets.

We cannot afford to make serious errors and I think it is reasonable, temporarily, to opt for a less democratic election mechanism, with a small Election Committee.

I do not deny that universal suffrage should one day be put into practice as it is a basic human right.

However, it must be done on a step-by-step basis in order to minimise the possibility of failure.

Rapid reforms will not benefit our society.

We must be patient and eventually I am confident that the day will come when we will have universal suffrage.

Timothy Ma Tsz-kiu, Tseung Kwan O