Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam has proposed the Chief Executive's idea of developing a political career path for publicly-spirited people could cover three stages.

He told lawmakers today that at the initial stage, those with political aspirations would be given the opportunity to assume government positions at middle ranks, such as assistants to bureau directors. They could be drawn from various sectors, including the political and business sectors and the civil service.

After working for the Government for a certain period of time, they could stand for Legislative Council election and benefit from the electioneering experience and broaden their political skills as lawmakers. Eventually they could return to the Government to join the political tier, for example, by filling bureau director positions.

Mr Lam said in the longer term, the arrangements would help extend opportunities for political participation and widen the pool of talent. However, the idea is preliminary and requires in-depth study, as the traditions of a permanent, professional and politically neutral civil service must be preserved.

The Chief Executive will elaborate on the ideas in his October Policy Address, and the administration will formulate a comprehensive package of proposals and fully consult the civil service, political groups and the community.