True reconciliation is an urgent task, especially because many of the alienated in Hong Kong society are our own younger generation. Problems can be solved when we are willing to put aside our differences and embrace the values of pragmatism and common sense.

Harsh sentences will only further polarise society and, given that there has been little disruption on the scale of Occupy since 2014, will not serve a deterrent purpose. Hong Kong needs to focus on working together to solve pressing problems.

Hong Kong needs to restart plans to implement national security legislation, given the government’s use of ad hoc measures against political figures.