Letters | Hong Kong can restart democratic development now that order has been restored

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I refer to the column, “‘The world’s biggest welcome’ needs to be in it for the long haul” (February 5), which pointed out that the government’s “Hello Hong Kong” campaign sidesteps the political developments that have altered the perception of the city overseas. The Human Freedom Index report mentioned our “descent into tyranny”.

Indeed, it is about time that the Hong Kong government restarted the universal suffrage campaign. Remember back in 2014, a one-person-one-vote framework for the chief executive election was approved by Beijing, but it was voted down by the local legislature, which was then dominated by radicals? This missed opportunity sowed the seeds for later social unrest, followed by widespread riots, and then came the national security law imposed by Beijing. The radicals and their actions have been outlawed.

A democratic and orderly Hong Kong will win back not just tourists but also the local emigrants and talent worldwide. It will also enhance our effectiveness as China’s window to the world. This will speed up Beijing’s quest for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people. And it will certainly fulfil the aspiration of the Hong Kong people for democracy.