Whatever the reasons the Amazon Prime Video series, which includes scenes of the 2014 protests, is not available for viewing in Hong Kong, officials should take the opportunity to reflect on the role they play in any misperceptions of the city

Beyond a public-relations nightmare, recent comments by government officials show they appear just as confused about the reason for the scheme as the public.

Fear of missing out on the latest trend or a great bargain may be motivating Hongkongers to make a beeline for big-box retailers across the border. However, the wider economic and environmental impact of this style of retailing deserves attention.

If the Hong Kong government is going to ease the pressure on the city’s A&E departments, it would do well to learn from the failures of Cathay Pacific. In both cases, the flu season that exacerbated the staffing shortage can’t be blamed.

The sight of thousands of mainland visitors left stranded after attending New Year’s Eve celebrations was disappointing and preventable. The government’s inability to prepare for and respond to issues inspires little confidence in planned mega projects and visions for Hong Kong’s future.

Hong Kong needs more than optimism and vibes to get through the challenges of a slowing economy, growing deficit and shrinking reserves. The outlook requires cautious optimism and a heavy dose of reality, not lavish spending on fanciful projects.

Tough questions must be asked about the election’s record low voter turnout and how defanged political parties can play a more ‘constructive’ role in an overhauled system

The ban on pet dogs in public housing estates is inconsistent with the government’s pet-friendly policies – Singapore’s example shows how a balance can be achieved.

Lack of planning is why the cruise terminal has just one road accessing it, the neighbourhood has no monorail and public transport is simply inadequate. The government has to get its act together.

Priscilla Leung’s off-script warning at a Basic Law forum that any discussion of gay marriage could tear society apart and have a bigger impact than the enactment of local national security laws merits deeper scrutiny.

The ‘good’ and ‘true’ stories of Hong Kong won’t change minds overseas, as long as uncertainty lingers over the city’s national security legislation. Furthermore, the talk of Hong Kong needing to overcome ‘soft resistance’ doesn’t inspire confidence in the city’s future as a financial and innovation hub.

Reports that student withdrawals are dropping are welcome, but the news is at odds with the government cutting classes and closing schools. A paltry grant meant to improve mental health and heaping more work on overburdened teachers doesn’t send the right signal either.

John Lee said during his recent policy address that he has faith in the people of Hong Kong, but the actions of his government tell a different story. Stripping power from district councils, cutting directly elected seats and barring the opposition from running don’t appear to be enough.

John Lee sowed the seeds of divide in his policy address in singling out those with ‘negativity’ – but writing them off blinds us to what plagues us as a community and defeats any chance of unity.

With Covid-19 a non-issue and domestic politics stable, people expect Lee’s administration to start delivering on economic growth, livelihood issues, housing and, crucially, hope.

The openness of Matthew Tsang’s parents about his mental health struggles can help us as a community remember to pay attention to the issues affecting young people’s well-being. The sensationalised media reporting by some is also a reminder of the importance of protecting newsmakers’ privacy.

Our athletes haven’t just made history, they are telling the stories Hong Kong needs to hear about overcoming the odds and showing hard work pays off. John Lee’s promise of celebrations is good but it’s time to really support sports.

The fanfare over the launch of ‘Night Vibes Hong Kong’ did not prevent the Wan Chai night bazaar tripping up over something as basic as steady power supply. Unless the city gets to grips with the fundamental obstacles impeding its growth and happiness, feel-good campaigns will provide only a temporary boost.

Political powerlessness fuelled 2019’s social unrest. Sweeping political changes since then have left Hongkongers disengaged, and deep trust issues remain. The authorities must work on re-engaging the electorate.

Without the change wrought by the #MeToo movement, flawed as it was, the Spanish football chief wouldn’t have quit over an unwanted kiss. However, as recent events in Hong Kong and Japan show, women and men are still vulnerable to sexual harassment and abuses of power.

Such acts have been known for decades. Universities must now step in and stop “ocamps” from degenerating into sanctioned abuse, hazing and harassment.

The culture of political flattery has gone too far. It creates a greater disconnect between the people and those with a seat at the table, and tarnishes the good stories leaders want to tell.

The troubled history of the arts hub notwithstanding, its efforts to make itself financially viable by ‘thinking out of the box’ should be supported – but not if it means diluting its stated purpose of promoting arts and culture.

While population growth is encouraging, officials must remember that retaining the talent they have attracted requires addressing many long-running issues. Unaffordable housing, long working hours, poor support for families, falling birth rates and more will keep new talent from putting down roots in Hong Kong.

As Starry Lee leaves party leadership and district council work behind to focus on national politics, the challenge for her DAB successor is to find a future for the party in a changed political landscape.

The film received a cool reception in South Korea, where the presidential election has amplified fear of feminism. While the need for women’s empowerment is openly discussed in Hong Kong, a lawmaker’s comments highlight misunderstanding of the impact of gender inequality.

Lawmakers who made the bold move of trying to initiate change through legislation, rather than leaving it to the governing council, should not shy from having to defend their bill to the public.

Kissinger’s warm reception shows Beijing is in favour of cooperation and offers much-needed hope to the world that US-China diplomacy can make a comeback.

One of the biggest hurdles in Hong Kong’s quest to attract talent and become a technology and innovation hub is housing, and not just home prices. The San Tin Technopole’s importance to the city’s economic growth means the government cannot afford to repeat mistakes like those made when planning Tin Shui Wai.

This political detox should be enough for the powers that be to feel more secure about the new electoral system: mechanisms are in place to ensure that this city’s public office holders on all levels are certified patriots.