Collective challenge: Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui says the development of political human resources is a collective challenge in which the Hong Kong community must get more involved.

Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui says the Government is considering broadening the system of political appointments beyond the level of bureau directors in the administration.

Speaking at a conference on human capital today, Mr Hui said a consultative document on the issue will be released in the first half of the year.

"Hopefully, by opening up mid-ranking positions in the Government to outside candidates - including those with a background in party politics, business, the professions and academia - the level of experience would-be politicians can acquire will be strengthened," Mr Hui said.

Community involvement

The Government cannot undertake this task alone, he said, adding the development of political human resources is a collective challenge in which the Hong Kong community in general must get more involved.

Business leaders could do more to nurture and support political talent and political parties, he said.

"As clearly stipulated in our Basic Law, our destination is universal suffrage, and in our move towards full democratisation, we should open up our institutions in a progressive manner to create more room for political parties and individuals to realise their potential."

Mr Hui said the Government's new admission scheme will be introduced later this year. Under it, talented people will be allowed to take up residence in Hong Kong without having to secure a job offer beforehand, so that they may take steps to settle and develop their career or business here.

Details to be finalised

Details of the scheme are being finalised, but the main criteria is expected to include age, academic attainment, professional qualification and work experience.

Initially a quota will be set at 1,000 to 2,000 entrants a year, and successful applicants will be allowed to bring their immediate families to Hong Kong.

Successful applicants will be granted an initial period of stay, and the Immigration Department will extend it after they have developed their career here.