That the overall quality of life has been worsening in Hong Kong is not completely bad news. It should help cool down the city's political hotheads and divert public attention and social activities back to more pressing livelihood issues.

The latest readings of the Hong Kong Quality of Life Index compiled by the Chinese University of Hong Kong indicate a fall of 0.33 points in the overall score for quality of life in the city to 102.57 last year from 102.9 in 2012.

The year-to-year decline looks small and even negligible on the surface. But a detailed review of the historical data reveals some worrying facts: The index has been hovering at the bottom level over the past six years after hitting 109.09 in 2007.

With the social sub-index remaining stable at a high level and the environmental sub-index on an upward trend, the only reason for the fall in the overall life quality of people in the city is the economic sub-index - particularly the continuously worsening housing affordability as suggested by its record low ratio.

The declining quality of life has given rise to discontent in Hong Kong and is further threatening social stability.

These latest findings provide further support to the widely accepted view that rising social discontent and divisions are caused by a widening wealth gap. This has been largely aggravated by sky-rocketing property prices.

Livelihood issues are more pressing matters for Hong Kong at the moment. The political actions being championed by political fanatics won't help resolve these problems. Rather, any radical actions or campaigns will only worsen Hong Kong's social problems by hurting the local economy and affecting its competitiveness.

A record low unemployment rate, supported by a robust economy, has helped mitigate a decline in the city's overall quality of life.

However, the low jobless rate shouldn't be taken for granted. Persistent political bickering will harm the economy and consequently the job market.

The latest readings of the life quality index are more than just a batch of cold, hard statistics. They deserve serious consideration - particularly by the city's political hotheads.

(HK Edition 08/14/2014 page9)