Officials should think outside the box with new policies for 2015

The dying days of 2014 saw the deep-rooted problem of housing in Hong Kong resurface, with long queues outside sales offices for new apartments.

It highlighted the fact that this is one of Hong Kong's most pressing social problems.

In the aftermath of the "umbrella movement", the central and the SAR governments should be more responsive and proactive to the demands for genuine universal suffrage. Our young people have undergone a complete political metamorphosis. Any miscalculation may cause social upheaval.

In 2015 and beyond, the Hong Kong administration must map out a new strategy to handle young people, to create a harmonious society and to supply enough land for housing. These should be its policy priorities.

I believe our officials have the commitment to deal with the pressing problems that Hong Kong faces. However, they will need to think outside the box and try to bring differing parties together.

As I said, one of the key issues that must be examined is housing and the need to provide decent homes for people to ensure stability in society. But, it cannot be looked at in isolation, but must be linked with other policies, for example, immigration.