CPPCC members need to be more active
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-03-02 09:30

People's Daily, the leading newspaper in China, on Wednesday carried a commentary criticizing some members of the CPPCC for being as not very active and useful, adding that the committees are extremely vital to the country's governance.

The article was published after south China's Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPPCC told two Olympic gold medalists, Sun Shuwei and Hu Jia, to resign after they failed to participate in provincial plenary sessions for two years.

The People's Daily article claimed it was the first time CPPCC committee members have been obliged to resign for failing to perform their duties.

The CPPCC stands for the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which is a significant component of the the country's governance structure. The provincial plenary sessions and the annual national session are crucial forums for non-Communist Parties and people without party affiliation, allowing them to make significant contributions to China's political affairs.

The article said a dedicated CPPCC committee member would regularly attend meetings, submit proposals, conduct inspection tours and field studies.

The decision by the Guangdong provincial CPPCC committee to get the two celebrity members to quit indicates that it is taking its work seriously, noted the article, adding that the committee has made many important policy suggestions regarding China's economic and social development.

The national newspaper acknowledged that some local CPPCC committees were prone to be sucked in by celebrities, hoping they they can raise their status. It said celebrities may have scored great achievements in their spheres but that does not mean they are capable of deliberating on state affairs. It also criticized celebrities who take up CPPCC posts thinking they are merely an honorary positions.

As well the article noted that as China proceeds with its social development, the CPPCC committees will have a much greater influence in its governance requiring members to be more diligentand committed.