Because of these radical changes, we are really in ­uncharted waters and this is a cause of concern for some ­citizens. They fear we will see greater instability in Legco.

Others welcome what has happened and believe it will be good to see these new faces.

Therefore, there are two ­opposing views, but it will ­require ­further analysis before we can really ­determine the ­advantages and disadvantages of Sunday’s results.

Also, we should not ­forget the controversial issue of those individuals who were barred from standing as candidates in the election.

It is important for us all to look at all these issues that relate to the new council.

We all have a responsibility to care about how our ­society is managed in the hope that we can see it improved and made more harmonious.

We all need to be ­involved in the important ­debates that lie ahead.

Jessica So Yau-nga, Sham Shui Po

Election result a wake-up call for officials

The installation of a new generation of activists in the Legislative Council, following Sunday’s election, should be a wake-up call for the government.

Most Hong Kong people do not appreciate the impracticality and impracticability of independence and neither do they understand the tenets of ­democracy.

All they know is that they want a change of government. Government officials must wake up and smell the coffee.

They must stop being ­complacent about the future of Hong Kong. They should focus their mind on creating industries and jobs.

They should exert themselves tirelessly to improve the livelihoods of the masses and narrow the gulf between the rich and poor. If they fail to do this, they will face a majority of activists in the legislature in the next election.

Alex Ng, Sham Shui Po

Lawmakers should focus on dialogue

The record voter turnout for the Legco election ­is a good thing, ­regardless of one’s personal political persuasion.

One hopes that this chamber will use dialogue, discussion, ­debate and logic for the betterment of all Hong Kong and we shall see an end to elected ­members who have placed their own agenda and vanity over that of the people they represent.

We need never forget that Hong Kong is a diverse city with a depth of talent that needs to be nurtured and developed. It is a long-haul obligation to serve, not a short-term opportunity for self-gratification.

Mark Peaker, The Peak

Keep dolphins safe with new viewing area

I refer to the report “Tighten ­controls on dolphin watching trips, Hong Kong conservation group urges, after rare mammal is hit”, (August 26).

I can understand the popularity of going on ­cruises from Tai O on Lantau to see the ­Chinese white dolphins as they are very appealing. But the mammals are at risk now ­because of the haphazard way the cruises are ­organised.

The boats’ propellers can hurt the dolphins and there have been cases of this happening. The government must deal with this problem as soon as possible.

Limits should be imposed on the number of vessels allowed to organise cruises, with designated ­licence plates.

I understand that boat ­owners might say this could hurt their businesses, so a viewing ­pavilion at a suitable location could also be built, to which the boats can take visitors.

They can then view the dolphins without any risk to the ­animals, and the boat operators could still earn an ­income.

Oscar Ko, Tseung Kwan O

Police officers did a really superb job

As you reported, my home was burgled on Monday evening (“Billionaire Thompson’s Gold Bauhinia Star medal stolen in latest burglary”, September 7). This is a very unpleasant and traumatic experience for any family and the mere fact that ­intruders have entered one’s home with bad intentions is very disconcerting to the occupants.

While no city is ever likely to be crime free, I consider Hong Kong to be one of the safest cities in the world and that is largely due to the very effective police force that protects us all.

My family’s experience with the members of the Hong Kong police that assisted in the investigation of the crime and the subsequent apprehension of one of the suspected perpetrators shortly after the crime was committed is extraordinary. The thoroughness and politeness my wife and our helpers ­enjoyed during the investigation was more than we expected.

I understand the need for ­police to be thorough in their procedures in order to catch criminals. The police officers that we encountered did their job very efficiently while always having empathy for my family.

Too often we find fault with the men and women who are dedicated to protected us in Hong Kong.

I heartily commend the Hong Kong police and feel ­comforted that they are ­protecting all Hong Kong ­citizens.

Jim Thompson, Deep Water Bay

Glad mining sector cleaning up its act

I am glad that the central government has drawn up new laws to raise environmental ­standards in the country’s ­highly polluting mining sector.

The new regulations will ­cover the mining of tin, copper, lead and rare earths, with ­separate guidelines for some minerals.

There has been serious environmental pollution in China, so this is a major step in the right direction. Unregulated mining has contaminated soil in many parts of the country.

I hope these draft laws can be enacted as soon as ­possible and that, once they are ­enforced, they will make a real difference and areas polluted by mining will be cleaned up.

Tang Kam-sin, Sham Shui Po

Don’t force students to do more sport

There have been calls to ­increase the number of physical education lessons in local schools in an effort to boost the development of the city’s sports culture. However, I am not ­convinced this is a good idea.

During these lessons, students have to expend a lot of ­energy. This can leave them tired and affect their performance in the lessons that follow. Many of them stay up late to do homework and come to school tired. Having more PE lessons would make things worse.

Also, there are some young people who have no aptitude for sport. It could be counter­productive having more PE ­lessons and they could grow up hating all forms of exercise. ­Students who are interested in sport will get involved whatever happens at school.

The best way to promote sport is through the community with events like the “Sport For All Day”and offer subsidised sports classes for all citizens.

Au Yeung Kwong-fai, Tseun Wan