The Legislative Council Finance Committee has approved the Government's proposal to create two more layers of politically-appointed officials.

Speaking to reporters after the committee's meeting today, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam said the Government will adopt an open attitude in finding the right candidates to fill the new posts. He also invited people interested in the posts to approach the Government directly.

When asked whether the system will become an exclusive club that only rewards friends, he said the system is similar to a cabinet-style government system.

"In future the Chief Executive returned through elections will be able to nominate and appoint a team comprising 40 people. This will be a fuller political team.

"This will also enable the Chief Executive to implement his election manifesto with three tiers of political talent. It also means we will have a system which will be ready when the Chief Executive is returned through universal suffrage."