It is not surprising that the central government has become impatient about the prolonged legal loophole in Hong Kong’s ability to protect national security and has decided to introduce a national security law for Hong Kong. Despite this, the Hong Kong government should seize the opportunity and take steps to legislate Article 23 of the Basic Law as well. Although the national security law and Article 23 do not seem to be fundamentally different, each law can plug each other’s loopholes and strengthen national security. The law proposed by the National People’s Congress for Hong Kong covers secession, subversion, terrorist activities endangering national security and interference by foreign political forces. Meanwhile, Article 23 requires Hong Kong to enact laws to prohibit treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the central people’s government, theft of state secrets, foreign political organisations conducting political activities in the region and local political organisations establishing ties with foreign political bodies. Taking into account the similarities and differences, the two sets of legislation can provide comprehensive protection of national security. More importantly, we now have a suitable atmosphere in Hong Kong for the legislation of Article 23. Since the announcement of the national security law, people in Hong Kong, especially those from the business sector , have come out in support of this legislation and acknowledge the importance of promoting national security. Waiting for a favourable atmosphere in society to legislate Article 23 has been the mantra of the current Hong Kong government. The introduction of the national security law has created this conducive climate. To demonstrate its sincerity and determination, the government should grasp this opportunity before it slips away. Ali Ng, Olympic Less mudslinging, more vision from lawmakers, please I fully support the views expressed by Pierre Herbst in “Lawmakers are not displaying adult behaviour ” (June 11). Our lawmakers currently do engage in a mudslinging competition rather than producing a much needed long-term vision for our world-class city. With the current political agenda focusing on getting elected , we have lost sight of the basic vision and political process that fuels the evolution of a successful society. We need our lawmakers to revert to this basic vision and allow us to drive our society further up the value chain in a sustainable manner. All available resources need to be directed towards formulating and updating constructive strategies. Once this is accomplished, our lawmakers will need to formulate a new strategic development plan to be implemented based on consensus. Recent innovations in the medical field represent examples of local efforts that will create increased economic and other sustainable benefits across our society. For further creative ideas on how to shape the future of Hong Kong watch the film Tomorrow . Having decent leadership across both camps, will allow Hong Kong to exit the current destructive cycle and focus on a constructive dialogue among members of our society. Let’s encourage our lawmakers to find a way to return to positivity together – our city has entrepreneurs and employees that are dependent on each other for the continued progress of Hong Kong. Finn Nielsen, Discovery Bay