Ms Chan complained that the central government "interferes" with local politics.

There is no evidence of interference but, rather, positive assistance from Beijing - its negotiation with the Philippine government over the Manila bus hostage saga, and clarification of our diplomatic jurisdiction in the Congo government case, are but two examples.

The erosion of freedom in Hong Kong is again a matter of opinion. Ask any citizen what changes in social life have taken place since 1997 and the answer would be "minimal".

The scathing attacks made daily by the mass media on the SAR government, despite claims of self-censorship, are proof of freedom of speech in Hong Kong, not to mention the escalating violence demonstrated in the Legco chamber.

It is important to understand some of the country's political background. China has a population of 1.3 billion, and yet has risen to be the world's second-largest economy.

Economic development of necessity remains China's top priority in order to achieve social progress. Further, multi-ethnic groups of the Chinese race have made governance a difficult task. The uniqueness of China's cultural tradition, history and circumstances requires it to follow a development path that suits its own reality, or it faces disastrous consequences.

I understand Ms Chan's desire for genuine democracy for Hong Kong. I was born and raised in this city and consider it my home.

The road to democracy is a long and winding one, and the breakdown of democratic countries in Europe and Asia offers good lessons for us.

In the early 1900s, discrimination towards Chinese people was rampant. We have now come a long way to getting recognition as one of the world's greatest nations.

Should we tear ourselves apart by staging the Occupy Central campaign to the benefit of radical politicians? Or should we work together for a peaceful solution of our political reform in a rational, tolerant manner?

Violent and disruptive acts in the Legislative Council chamber may attract publicity but they set a bad example to teenagers.

Young people need to understand that acting aggressively cannot help them with the challenges they will face in their lives. I think that, in Hong Kong, the best way to strive for universal suffrage is through non-violent protests.

These were the tactics employed by Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle to achieve independence in India from British rule. He insisted on passive resistance and no violence.

Similarly, Martin Luther King believed in peaceful protests to further the civil rights movement in the US.

A non-violent form of resistance is the best way to win our political battles in Hong Kong.

Vicky Chan Hei-ling, Ho Man Tin

Firstly, while there were 133 reported incidents concerning slot machines in the two years that ended in May 2014, the vast majority of those did not involve the malfunction of a game, but rather a problem with peripheral equipment, such as ticket printers, and currency acceptors. In fact, of the 133 reported incidents, only three resulted in the denial of a payout due to a malfunction.

Secondly, establishing definitively whether a malfunction actually occurred is a question for an approved testing laboratory. Testing laboratories provide assurances to both slot machine manufacturers and regulators globally that slot machines approved for use are compliant with complex technical standards, which ensure that slot machines operate in a way which is fair, secure, reliable and auditable.

Macau's technical standard for slot machines is commensurate with the standards applicable in other major gaming jurisdictions.

Testing laboratories approved to operate in Macau operate in multiple jurisdictions; the laboratories which tested the machines played by Ip Choi-peng are licensed in more than 150 jurisdictions, and are respected for their independence, technical competence and integrity. That is why gamblers are entitled to expect technical reliability of the machines.

The fact is, machines do malfunction, even when made to the highest technical standards; jet engines fail, computers crash. These are facts of life in the machine world. There is no fail-safe means of ensuring a zero malfunction rate of slot machines

Regarding Mr Ip, I understand that in both cases the actual result of the game, as determined using the game recall function required of all Macau machines, did not entitle him to either of the claimed jackpots. He didn't win what he claimed, so how could he be denied his winnings?

It is open to Mr Ip to take the matter to court if he feels that he has been harshly dealt with.

In fact, that would be the preferable course, since it is the appropriate forum to determine his entitlement if a sensible outcome cannot otherwise be achieved.

Efforts have been made to investigate the tragedy of the MH17 Malaysia Airlines jet.

However, some leaders seem intent on criticising other countries, with, for example, Ukraine blaming Russia for what has happened and vice versa.

This is not really the time for nations to be pointing the finger of blame at each other. There will be time for that later.

They need to work together now to deal with the aftermath of the accident. And they need to show respect for the dead and their families.

Despite differences between some mainland visitors and Hongkongers, these tourists have brought the city economic advantages.

Efforts should be made to try to tempt more of them to visit Hong Kong's scenic spots instead of congregating in crowded shopping areas.

I also think there should be some limits set on the number of visitors allowed in from north of the border.

If there are too many people, it will be difficult for Hong Kong to maintain its quality of service to tourists.

While the behaviour of some mainlanders does present problems, it is the sheer volume that has to be dealt with. If numbers are reduced, other issues connected with that can be dealt with.