Passion and a mission to serve the community are qualities government-appointed members of district councils will have to possess, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said on Wednesday.

Less than a fifth of councillors will be chosen by the public in future – after candidates have been vetted – with the rest appointed by the government or picked by government-appointed committee members.

Speaking after appearing on an RTHK programme, Mak said the district councillors directly selected by the government will have to meet a list of criteria.

"The government will definitely consider the passion and the mission of the candidate of serving the community, and also whether the candidate is capable of giving constructive advice or professional advice to the government, and help to better serve the community," she told reporters.

"These are the criteria that we already have considered when making appointments in the past. This will continue in the future mechanism."

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, meanwhile, told the RTHK programme that people should not be overly fixated on the percentage of directly elected seats.

"People should see that this reform is bringing in more professionals or people who are passionate about their districts and can meet the different needs through different channels. That will be more conducive to the development of the community and the livelihood of residents," he said.

On whether members who have previously resigned or pro-democracy figures can join the elections, Tsang said the government will welcome anyone who is truly patriotic, loves Hong Kong, and is interested in district affairs.