Lawmakers have a constitutional responsibility to deal with the political reform package for 2012, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam says, adding Hong Kong should take a step forward at that time to pave the way for universal suffrage in subsequent years.

Speaking to reporters after a radio talk show today, Mr Lam said the decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in December 2007 said Hong Kong can attain universal suffrage for returning the Chief Executive by 2017, and returning all members of the Legislative Council by 2020.

"There are political parties and individual members of the legislature who have an inclination to resign and to go for by-election. I would also like to take this opportunity to emphasise that the views of Hong Kong people for early introduction of universal suffrage have already been reflected to Beijing back in 2007, and that decision taken by the standing committee has already taken into account these views.

"We would respect the decision to be taken by any individual political parties or legislators. As far as the Hong Kong Government is concerned, we will comply with the law and organise by-elections, if necessary, in the months ahead. This will involve, we believe, a budget of something like $150 million."

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang said voting down the reform package for 2012 electoral arrangements will create more problems.

Introducing an improved system for 2012 elections will create favourable conditions and lay a firm foundation for attaining universal suffrage in the 2017 and 2020 elections, he added.