Both pan-democrat and pro-establishment parties cannot afford to ignore the crippling impact of the coronavirus pandemic, protests and trade war on the economy and how this will influence voter behaviour in the Legco election.

The government’s backing for Lantau Tomorrow, reaffirmed in the budget speech, is a pragmatic solution to increasing the housing supply. At the same time, the government must boost the home ownership rate to give more people a stake in society.

Under great pressure to be generous with our ample reserves, the financial secretary must keep in mind that Hong Kong faces two other major challenges apart from a virus outbreak. Our political crisis, for one, cannot be solved by throwing money at the problem.

The outbreak calls for a calm and considered response, keeping in mind its severity compared to other diseases and the utility of products such as masks.

Between dwindling attendances and fierce regional competition, Ocean Park’s glory days are behind it. Better to use the 91.5-hectare site to meet a pressing need in the city – housing.

The new director of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong must take official briefings with a pinch of salt, not overestimate foreign influence in the protests and trust that most Hongkongers love their country.

The unrest in Hong Kong has always been a political problem needing a political solution. As the new year approaches, politicians and protesters must reflect, while opposition and police leaders must start leading

Lam’s successor must have credibility with Beijing but also a finger on the pulse of popular sentiment in Hong Kong. Only former Legco presidents Jasper Tsang and Rita Fan have the broad appeal needed to solve pressing problems Lam will leave incomplete.

The government has no excuse to delay the political reforms Hongkongers are clearly demanding. Sensible first steps include breaking up bigger constituencies and abolishing corporate voting in the Legco election, and making the chief executive nominating committee more representative.

Dangerous behaviour by protesters is unacceptable, as is the abuse of power by police officers. But most unacceptable of all would be for government officials to continue to wring their hands and do nothing.

A simple statement that Hong Kong’s way of life can continue indefinitely after 2047 until otherwise agreed would sets minds at ease in Hong Kong and aid Beijing’s case for reunification with Taiwan.

Tolerance of violence and distrust of police are not normal for Hong Kong, yet that’s the city’s present situation. Barring sudden change – or cancellation – this suggests the next elections will see a stark shift towards the pan-dems.

Unresponsiveness from the government – supposedly accountable to both Hongkongers and Beijing – has been a major factor in this crisis. Officials must quickly announce action to show they are listening, even if the measures don’t take effect right away.

Britain will not reverse policy and start recognising Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders as citizens. The US will not throw open its doors to immigrants from Hong Kong. No one is coming to our rescue. The only capital city worth visiting in a pickle is Beijing.

As term starts and protests begin to thin out, the government should use the chance to relearn leadership and accountability, and start tackling the issues of housing and suffrage.

With the 70th birthday of the People’s Republic just weeks away, it is imperative that the Hong Kong government urgently address the legitimate grievances of protesters. It should withdraw the extradition bill, order an independent inquiry and introduce electoral reform.

The introduction of the accountability system in 2002 saw three ministers resign under public pressure in the first 18 months. But, since then, the idea of ministers quitting for their political failures seems to have been forgotten.

Protests have already served their purpose, but have since gone too far and gone on for too long. Protesters don’t trust Beijing or the Hong Kong government. Only opposition politicians may have the credibility to convince them to stop

Far from ripping Hong Kong apart and deepening divisions, political reform will allow a more representative government to better deal with controversial legislation, whether on extradition or national security.

Taiwanese regard the massive protests against the extradition bill as yet another sign ‘one country, two systems’ is failing. Hong Kong must show that democratic development is possible if Beijing wants Taiwan back in its fold.

For my daughter, who asked me to. For a speedy resolution to the Taiwan murder case. And for an unrushed, comprehensive review of Hong Kong’s extradition arrangements.

Over the past four years, events like the tear-gassing of Occupy protesters, the disqualification of lawmakers over their oaths, and the asylum-seeking of wanted activists have attracted widespread attention. The world is watching and the city’s reputation is at stake.

Hong Kong needs to examine its resistance to change and truly open up the doors to competition, whether in ride-hailing or to foreign doctors. Meanwhile, more pan-democrats need to receive their home-return permits to see the mainland’s progress for themselves

As the prime minister seeks to achieve the impossible, the chances of the UK leaving the EU with an agreeable deal look increasingly unrealistic, with the October 31 deadline unlikely to be met.

While Chief Executive Carrie Lam seems determined to push through the change to Hong Kong’s laws on the transfer of fugitives, did her subordinates raise the concerns that would inevitably arise from various sectors?

By raising the age cut-off for welfare payments to the elderly, the government was trying to address the reality of our ageing society. However, a more comprehensive approach that recognises the skills the elderly have to offer would be preferable.

Is it a private company first or a public service provider? A rail operator or property developer? The train crash last week, the latest in a string of scandals, indicates massive governance failure and brings home the need for a complete overhaul.

The HK$600 million set aside to spruce up the toilets under the government’s care will go to waste if the crux of the problem – the outsourcing of the work through a tender exercise that stresses cost over quality – isn’t addressed.

Patient welfare should rank higher in doctors’ priorities than their own status. Their years of opposition to sensible changes to the entry requirements for foreign-trained doctors, so as to ease a manpower shortage, must end.

The recent seizure of ivory and pangolin scales by customs officials and the failure to prosecute those involved in the record ivory haul in 2017 show that Hong Kong must do more to ensure wildlife trafficking is treated as a serious crime.