The terms "Unofficial" (or "non-official") and "Official" refer to whether the individual holds governmental office; both categories hold full membership of the councils.
Before the direct election of Legislative Council members in 1991, the Government reflected the views and opinions of Hong Kong society by appointing members of the business and social elites to the two councils.
These members acted as a bridge between local residents and the Government.
From 1963 to 1989, the Unofficial members of both councils formed the UMELCO Office, which complaints from Hong Kong residents.
This article about the three branches of government in Hong Kong is a stub.