Views valued: Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says a green paper will be issued this summer to gauge views on Hong Kong's political reform.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says principal official candidates are expected to be announced in late June, adding details on the political-appointment system's expansion may be tabled to lawmakers in the third quarter.

Speaking on a radio talk show, Mr Lam said the Chief Executive will pick the principal official candidates while the bureau will brief lawmakers on the Government Secretariat's revamp to lobby for support and funding. Click here for details on the revamp.

He expected the list of candidates to be announced in late June. On the appointment of deputy bureau directors and assistants to bureau directors, Mr Lam said the next Administration will look into the issue, with details expected to be submitted to lawmakers in the third quarter.

He anticipated the number of talented people with political affiliations to be appointed as deputy bureau directors and assistants to bureau directors will be small, as political groups must prepare for the coming district and legislative councils' elections.

On constitutional development, Mr Lam stressed the Government is determined to achieve the goal of universal suffrage, adding a green paper on constitutional reform will be rolled out to gauge public views this summer.

He said the Government will focus on co-operation with the Mainland on regional infrastructural development, tourism and investment promotion in the Pan-Pearl River Delta area, and assistance to Hong Kong people in need on the Mainland.