Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam says the Government cannot draw a conclusion yet on how the Legislative Council's functional constituencies should be dealt with when universal suffrage starts because of the community's polarised views.

He today told lawmakers there are views the functional constituencies should be abolished while some say the functional constituencies' electorate base should be broadened, for example by adopting the "one-person-two-votes" model.

"More time is needed for the community to discuss the issue thoroughly with a view to forging consensus. However, we have made it clear the future universal suffrage model should comply with the Basic Law and the principles of universality and equality.

"We hope over the next few years the community can adopt a rational, pragmatic and accommodating attitude, so we can work together to consider and forge consensus on this issue. We are pleased to see recent discussions on this issue within the community have become more rational."

The Government's new proposals for the two electoral methods for 2012 can enhance the two elections' democratic elements through the participation of elected District Council members, he said.

"If LegCo endorses the proposed package, close to 60% of all seats in the 2012 LegCo will be returned through geographical direct or indirect elections, leaving only 40% for the 'traditional' FC seats. This ratio will make it easier for LegCo to build consensus on resolving the issue of FCs."