Letters | Four things need to happen for Hong Kong to move on from protests

How many politicians does it take, and where are the strong decision-makers when you need them? It seems to me our civil unrest can be resolved relatively easily with strong action. First, withdraw the extradition bill. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said “dead”, which is stronger, so go with the “weak” option and give the people what they want: “withdraw” the bill.

Second; Lam must step down, as she has proven herself incapable of leading and incompetent at both decision-making and PR initiatives. Replace her with Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, but only until a more capable and politically acceptable candidate is proposed. Open up dialogues to allow an ostensibly broader pool of nominees for Lam’s replacement – though I for one fail to see any capable candidates anywhere close to the existing political pool.

Third, initiate an independent inquiry into both police and public behaviour during the protests. This is an absolute no-brainer, and Lam should be ashamed of herself for avoiding it. We must trust the rule of law (or abandon it completely); if the police have done nothing wrong the inquiry will show it. If some officers stepped over the line they should be identified and disciplined.

Fourth, protesters arrested should be subject to exactly the same logic – they need to follow through with the legal process, and be deemed innocent or guilty based on their actions. Another no-brainer.

It started with the extradition bill; then it escalated to mainland street “performers” and then milk-powder trading. It is escalating because no one is taking control.