Maria Tam Wai-chu has made known her views on extending the oath requirements for those elected to serve in rural and district elections (“Legco should look at extending allegiance rule to other bodies, Maria Tam says”, December 8). As a member of one of China’s top legislative bodies, Ms Tam seems intent on reshaping Hong Kong’s democratic mould to conform to the principles of one-party rule.

Rather like what happened in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, we should soon expect diktats from those with power and influence, that only those who speak and think like them will be allowed to vote in elections (“Why Hong Kong democrats are careful what they call themselves”, December 9).

It is of concern that, while many Hongkongers are alert to the continuing erosion of democracy here, nothing has yet effectively stemmed that tide. Locals need to make clear exactly what rights and freedoms they expect under the Basic Law and “one country, two systems”, before someone else redefines it or re-educates them with their myopic view.