Problematic hearings

The uproar surrounding the identities of some who represented consumers at a hearing to discuss the proposed rise in water charges in Harbin was not just another evidence of the public being overly incredulous, or cynical.

It was a legitimate concern.

In fact, the organizers themselves conceded that a retired government official had been misrepresented as a laid-off worker. It was the former official's fault - he addressed himself that way on the phone, we are told.