The government’s decision to freeze the minimum wage while rejecting calls for unemployment support is a double whammy for the city’s vulnerable. Hong Kong should have done better on humane and social justice grounds.

The Five Eyes’ narrative was that the national security law would crush freedom, and that they would offer a safe haven to the oppressed. But their linking of the issue to Xinjiang suggests they are more interested in targeting Beijing.

The government has chosen to put off dealing with a policy that exacerbates Hong Kong’s housing crisis, preferring to kick the can down the road. Rather than waste fiscal reserves on reclamation, officials should eliminate existing villages and use that money for compensation.

The Julian Assange and Meng Wanzhou cases together involve the US, Canada, Britain and Australia, four countries which happen to be members of the ‘Five Eyes’ anti-China, Huawei-sceptical alliance.

So-called friends of Hong Kong should stop ‘helping’ us. Young idealistic proponents of political reform should be less naive. And, with society still deeply divided, it’s time for all parties to launch a serious effort at reconciliation.

There seems to be a huge gap between decision-making at the top and the actual conditions. There is no evidence of a proper monitoring system to identify problems; rather, officials appear to be making ad hoc decisions in response to individual events.

The plans announced on housing and boosting financial services and tourism are welcome, but the address has several serious omissions. A major missed opportunity was one that has haunted Hong Kong – the lack of a plan to move the city towards the promised goal of universal suffrage.

Rather than blame the reporter for exposing poor policing or hit out at judges for exposing shoddy prosecution work, perhaps critics should turn their attention to the real problems.

While the Greater Bay Area and the pandemic are important issues, the government must reach out to the community, particularly young people, and not sweep the fallout from the extradition bill protests under the carpet.

Any controversy or objection would appear to have been swiftly brushed aside as the chief executive announces broad support for the initiative with little time to waste. Does any of this sound familiar?

Before decisions can be taken on the theme parks, Hong Kong needs to consider whether it even wants to revive its tourism industry, and what role it should play in its economic vision.

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.