Pointing to a problem is no solution

I am writing in response to the article 'Premier spells out concerns for HK' (South China Morning Post, March 3). Wen Jiabao pointed to 'deep-seated conflicts' in Hong Kong.

This is not new, but now we are facing specific issues - the upcoming by-elections and the democratic reform package. The former was forced by the pan-democrats, largely because they opposed the terms of the latter. Wen appears to be identifying the problem as an issue of concern to the central government in terms of the success of universal suffrage in 2017. But he gave no solid suggestions as to how to solve the problems.

Meanwhile, as Hong Kong political groups continue to seek dialogue with Beijing, speeches like Wen's simply increase the gap between Beijing and Hong Kong society.

We need solutions, not finger pointing at problems. Beijing needs to allow room for a consensus to be reached that is beneficial to the future constitutional development of Hong Kong.

Jeremy Chan, Hang Seng School of Commerce

From the Editor

Thank you for your letter, Jeremy. You are quite right when you say that simply identifying a problem is not going to solve it. It is difficult to understand what the 'success' of universal suffrage means. In Premier Wen Jiabao's terms, it would be only deemed a success if Beijing were happy with the result.

But that is not the point of universal suffrage. Universal suffrage means Hong Kong's leader is chosen by the people. The approval should be that of the people, not of the central government.

Susan, Editor