Any amendment to the method for selecting the Chief Executive will require approval from the National People's Congress.

This was the message today from Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam who said the Central Government has a constitutional role to play in matters related to Hong Kong's constitutional development.

He said under the One Country, Two Systems formula, the Basic Law has authorised Hong Kong to exercise a high degree of autonomy but not complete self-rule.

Mr Lam said the review on constitutional development beyond 2007 had to be dealt with in accordance with the procedures laid down in Annexes I and II of the Basic Law.

Any proposals put forth require the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and had to be reported to the National People's Congress for approval or for record.