How will Hong Kong fare under Carrie Lam?

WITH only weeks to go before Carrie Lam is sworn in as the chief executive of Hong Kong, attention naturally is focused on how she is going to govern and the role the Chinese government will play.

The head of legal affairs of China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Wang Zhenmin, recently warned that Hong Kong should not try to change the election system in the next five to 10 years.

The incoming chief executive seems to agree. She has indicated that she wants to focus on livelihood issues such as housing, transportation and the environment. That is certainly understandable. After all, sensitive political issues don't lend themselves to easy resolution and are likely to exacerbate tensions rather than promote harmony.