The newly-appointed deputy director of the Basic Law Committee said on Thursday he is honoured to be named to his role on the body advising Beijing on matters relating to the Basic Law.

Wong Yuk-shan, a former Metropolitan University president and previously a local deputy to the National People's Congress, also said one does not have to be a legal professional to be part of the committee.

He said it was "an honour and a great responsibility" upon returning from Beijing, a day after being appointed to take the place of Maria Tam as part of the committee's membership reshuffle. Unlike his predecessors – former justice secretary Elsie Leung and barrister Maria Tam – Wong does not have a background in the legal sector.

"While the National People's Congress is a legislative body, it is not only composed of legal professionals, and rather formed by many others," Wong said.

"My understanding is that the Basic Law Committee consists of people from all walks of life, including those from the legal sector. So the Basic Law Committee has all along been made up of not only legal professionals, but also people from different sectors."

He said the committee will put forward their views, if any, on Article 23 of the Basic Law.