The recent renewed commitment by different sectors of the community to engage in rational and positive dialogue is a welcome development, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says.

Speaking at a Democratic Foundation luncheon today, he said he is confident Hong Kong can build community consensus on the way forward for constitutional development if everyone is able to leverage this pragmatism.

Mr Lam said the Constitutional Development Task Force published its third report in May, setting out possible areas for amendment in relation to the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008.

Constitutional consultation still underway

He said as the consultation exercise is still on going, it is not yet time to draw any conclusions. However, he shared with participants some of his preliminary observations.

"Firstly, there is a body of opinion which supports expanding the size of the Election Committee, and widening the electorate for returning the committee members," he said.

"Secondly, some opinions are in support of broadening the franchise of the functional constituencies. Thirdly, there are those who prefer to keep the number of LegCo seats at 60, but relatively more views have suggested an expansion."

Mr Lam said the task force will continue to gauge public opinion on this and other aspects.

New atmosphere reflects pragmatism

He welcomed the emergence of a more tolerant political atmosphere in Hong Kong in recent months and felt this new mood reflected the pragmatism of the people and their forward-looking spirit.

"On Sunday, all members of LegCo have been invited to attend a commemorative event organised by the People's Liberation Army Garrison. This is yet another positive development which will hopefully improve communication and dialogue," he said.

Noting that politics is the art of the possible, Mr Lam said people who had a role to play in Hong Kong's public life must embrace two principles.

"Firstly, we have to respect the constitutional order and work with the Central Authorities in promoting Hong Kong's constitutional development. This notion seems to have been more widely accepted in recent weeks," he said.

"Secondly, people of different political colours should be prepared to work together over an electoral formula that can bring Hong Kong forward, closer to the ultimate aim of universal suffrage. We should be prepared to accommodate our mutual differences and widen the common ground."