Working to solidify CPPCC
Jiang Zhuqing and Chen Zhiyong  Updated: 2004-03-12 07:53

As the whole nation focuses on the historic amendments to the Constitution and the annual government report, 2,000 or so members of China's top advisory body are embroiled in hot debate over a proposal to revise the Charter, because such a move could have a significant impact on the country's political life.

First adopted in 1954, the Charter of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is the common code of conduct for political parties, mass organizations and individuals from all ethnic groups and sectors participating in the CPPCC, and for CPPCC committees at all levels.

The current session marks the fifth time the CPPCC, the largest and most important consultative organization in the nation, has amended its Charter, following changes in 1978, 1982, 1994 and 2000.

As explained by Zheng Wantong, secretary-general of the CPPCC National Committee, the new amendment is based on the general principle of maintaining the stability of the original Charter and that only those thoughts and ideas already proved mature in a long run as well as necessary to be regulated by the Charter should be added.

Amending the CPPCC Charter bears great importance for upholding and improving the Chinese-style advisory system of multi-party co-operation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the 10th National Committee of CPPCC.

The drafting process of the amendment to the Charter recognizes sweeping changes wrought by more than two decades of economic reforms. Rarely in CPPCC history has such a wide range of in-depth discussion been organized to solicit ideas for the amendment.

Many CPPCC members agree that amending the Charter is a process of reviewing experience in CPPCC work, studying theory and deepening understanding.

For the first time, the amendment stipulates that seeking "unification and democracy are two major topics of the CPPCC system" and multi-party co-operation and political consultation under the leadership of CPC is one of China's fundamental political systems. This has won much praise from most of the CPPCC members.

The National People's Congress, which opened last Friday, is discussing amendments to the Constitution that will enshrine protection of private property and human rights for the first time since the Party swept to power in 1949.

As a consequence, the proposed amendment to the CPPCC Charter stipulates that "(China would) consolidate and promote public economy, encourage and direct the development of non-public economy."

It also replaces the sentence that reads "the majority of the exploration class has become part of working people earning their own living" by clarifying that the newly-born stratum are "socialist cause builders with Chinese characteristics."

China's reform, opening-up and modernization have enlarged the united patriotic front, to which "the socialist cause builders" will be accepted, according to the proposed amendments.

The new items have won wide praise from CPPCC members, who believe the Charter represents the fundamental requirements for them and it is inappropriate to make drastic changes.

Some other proposed changes were also highly praised by CPPCC members. Specifically, adding compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao into the united front is absolutely necessary, some CPPCC members said.

CPPCC member Zhu Jiamu said the past practice has fully supported the judgement and incorporating it into the Charter is absolutely necessary.

Besides, participation in the discussion of State affairs, one of the three major functions of CPPCC, is clearly stipulated in the proposed revision after the explanation of the other two functions.

By amending the Charter, CPPCC members all agreed it would be positive and helpful to build their initiatives. They can select the issues concerning the general public's interests and make investigations by themselves, thus raising constructive suggestions for the government.

While delivering their opinions about the amendment, some CPPCC members are also taking the opportunity to suggest a possible expansion of CPPCC functions.

Besides the traditional function of political consultation, CPPCC can provide a platform for interest co-ordination and cultural exchange between different social groups.

Some called to introduce more and improve procedures concerning CPPCC functions, member election and dismissal, and proposals to further institutionalize and standardize CPPCC work in line with the practical needs.

Owing to their different interests and cultural background, the representatives may have a varied understanding about the same issue.

The broadened representative base will help different groups voice their concerns and protect their interests, members said.

In China, some sticky matters inappropriate for the government to take up can be brought to CPPCC for discussion, and the government will listen to opinions of CPPCC members before adopting important policies.

Generally speaking, CPPCC members are the influential figures within their respective groups, and can truly represent their own groups' interests.

(China Daily)

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