The scale of the financial secretary’s challenge is monumental. Hong Kong needs to spend more to tackle the health and economic crises even as revenue drops with people out of work, businesses falling apart and property prices softening.

While the opposition tends to object to any proposal coming from the chief executive or the central government, Carrie Lam has also reacted defensively to legitimate questions about her policies.

Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum. If no meaningful initiatives are being put forward, someone else is likely to step in, as happened with Beijing and the national security law. This is a good reason for the opposition to tackle Article 23 legislation and extradition laws first.

With the right planning, Hong Kong could have ensured that voting in the Legislative Council election took place safely, with minimal health risks. Worse, the postponement has created two related constitutional problems that only Beijing can solve.

Broadly speaking, only non-destructive opposition politicians and a revamped DAB will appeal to moderate voters. The elections should go ahead in September, despite Covid-19. If other communities can do it, why not Hong Kong?

The beauty of dedicated health care workers, the ugliness of incompetent leadership and the sheer explosiveness of Covid-19 racism are all food for thought – along with a gaffe by new minister Erick Tsang.

The simple truth is that our administration knows how to administer but not how to govern. The opposition knows how to obstruct but not how to work the system to get things done. This is a case of chronic immaturity syndrome.

Secretary for Security John Lee and Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng should have borne more responsibility for the extradition bill saga, while Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan has distinguished himself by his lack of achievement.

Incessant political squabbling and a refusal to compromise left Beijing with no choice but to take the lead on national security laws. The local government has been aloof and unresponsive while the opposition has failed to offer any serious counterproposals.

Hong Kong needs an independent commission of inquiry into the extradition bill protests. It is also time for a road map towards political reform.

If the government is perceived to be moving too slowly, social discipline could break down. It’s time to open outdoor recreational venues and schools. Opening up to the outside world will be more tricky, but can start with Macau and Taiwan.

If the police watchdog is to be trusted, it must be seen to act proactively. The recent case of a tussle over video footage would be a good place to start.

To reshape an economy and livelihoods left battered by the coronavirus, the Hong Kong government must make bold decisions and confront vested interests. Without major changes to the political structure, the city will no longer be among the top choices for the best and brightest.

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.