Acting Chief Secretary Stephen Lam stresses Principal Officials and individual civil servants can make their own decision whether to take part or vote in the Legislative Council by-election.

Speaking after a public event today, Mr Lam said he hopes no one will misinterpret the views the Chief Executive expressed earlier.

"At no point in time did the Chief Executive apply any pressure or make any suggestion to Principal Officials or individual civil servants not to vote on the by-election day. As in every election, it is entirely up to colleagues of the Government, including Principal Officials and individual civil servants, whether they wish to take part in the by-election and whether they wish to cast a vote."

On the government proposals made for 2012, Mr Lam said over 400 directly elected District Councillors will elect from amongst themselves six legislators for the 2012 LegCo. The Legislative Council Ordinance will need to be amended to put this into place.

"By November 2011 when voters go to cast their ballots for selecting over 400 District Councillors, they know fully well they are electing these District Councillors to serve them on the District Councils and also to select from amongst themselves six legislators. So, the constitutional and legislative basis will be abundantly clear."

Mr Lam welcomed views from all sides, noting a three-month public consultation period on the 2012 constitutional development package is drawing to a close.