The new constitutional affairs chief yesterday stressed the principle of 'Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong' would be upheld in a review of when universal suffrage would be implemented.
Stephen Lam Sui-lung made the remarks after Vice-Premier Qian Qichen cautioned against a rapid move towards direct elections after 2007.
Mr Qian also said the 30 profession-based functional constituencies in the 60-seat Legco should be kept intact.
Mr Lam said: 'We will hold on to the principle of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong when exploring the future direction.'
He said the views of different sectors would be considered before a decision was made on how the SAR would move towards the ultimate goal of universal suffrage under the Basic Law.
He would not be drawn on whether Mr Qian's remarks had limited the review under his ambit.
