More than ever, Hong Kong needs a leader who can communicate and heal the social divide

With the Occupy Central crisis now in its third week, one might think Hong Kong officials would be doing anything in their power to ensure its immediate and peaceful resolution, taking all necessary precautions to prevent further aggravations and divisions in society.

During these times, it is important for a leader to take an active approach to diffuse the situation, rather than avoid communication. And yet the chief executive has yet to effectively deal with or communicate any of the deep-seated problems that have given rise to the movement. The little communication that has taken place is in the form of positional bargaining, firm and repeated time and again, with the hard stance that any discussion must fall within the confines of the Basic Law and the  National People’s Congress decision.

For China’s stability as a nation, this position is understandable. Yet the focus solely on political reform cannot be the solution to all of Hong Kong’s current problems. There are major issues to address.To ensure Hong Kong’s future and maintain an acceptable balance between the economy and the needs of local residents, Hong Kong now needs, more than ever before, a leader to step up and make concrete plans to mend the social divide.

Most protesters want democracy, but Hong Kong has never had universal suffrage before, and the majority of residents were quite content, pre-1997, when governors were appointed, not elected. So, what has created this demand?