Letters | Why Hong Kong is sitting on a ‘powder keg’ waiting to blow

With reference to “Hong Kong youth anger could again explode into social unrest, experts warn” (January 5) and a survey by two universities finding simmering grievances are a “powder keg waiting to go off”, Hong Kong’s real frustrations are not over our relationship with Beijing but with our relationship with Carrie Lam.

The Hong Kong chief executive has shown scant regard for the woes of the people she represents. Her account of having “piles of cash” in her upstairs drawer (since she is denied banking services due to US sanctions) is at odds with those who have lost their jobs and are facing financial ruin. She is unable to understand why banning the ordinary classes from enjoying the Vitamin D from sun-drenched beaches while allowing the rich to get away with private boat parties shows a disdain for ordinary Hongkongers.

For her to state that she welcomes the National Security Law because it allows the government to focus on getting back to business, reflects her inability to govern (“Unapologetic over last year’s protests, Hong Kong leader ‘back to her old self’ and ready to take on pandemic”, November 29). Regardless of the unacceptable violence and destruction during the protests, her role was to ensure that government continued to function.

Hong Kong is a city filled with talent, yet we have a government that refuses to see it. Our chief executive fails as a leader because she has no ability to listen and even less to communicate.