Demands for political change need to be realistic and attainable

While many in Hong Kong consider the chief executive election proposals from Beijing to be unacceptable and demands for genuine democracy are ongoing, there is no clear definition of what is meant by genuine or of the day-to-day benefits that we might enjoy when it is obtained.

The demands of the Occupy protesters appear to lack focus. Some are specific issues relating to the nomination of chief executive candidates while others are about more general livelihood issues which the previous administration sadly neglected.

Protesters seem to be channelling the frustration of many who feel isolated from and ignored by the government (political appointees and senior officials) and by big business, which is perceived to be greedy and uncaring.

The Basic Law, while less than ideal, exists, and it appears there is very little, if anything, that the Hong Kong government can do to amend it. Surely then, it is now essential to focus on what is possible.

We need to agree on an improved, and if possible enlarged, composition of the nomination committee so that it reflects the community balance of today, not 30 years ago.

The Basic Law states that a fully directly elected Legco is the ultimate objective, so functional constituencies will eventually disappear. If this is not possible yet, we at least need to ensure that members of the nomination committee are elected (not selected) by individuals, not companies.