Long-time Beijing loyalist Tsang Tak-sing, jailed for distributing leaflets during the 1967 riots, will join Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's cabinet at the direct suggestion of Beijing, say sources.
If Tsang Tak-sing, 58, a member of the government's Central Policy Unit and younger brother of veteran politician Tsang Yok-sing, joins the government team, it will be a breakthrough for the leftists, who were shunned by the colonial regime.
There is speculation he will be minister for home affairs or transport and housing. He could not be reached for comment as he is on leave and his family said was not in Hong Kong.
A source said Mr Tsang's name, with those of a few other Beijing loyalists, was put forward by Beijing to give leftists an opportunity to play a greater role in the administration.
Former executive director of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute Shiu Sin-por, a favourite of former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, was also on the list, the source said.
The cabinet lineup is now complete, although a few may not serve the full five-year term. The list will be scrutinised by the State Council early next week and could be announced later in the week.