Media asked to highlight critical views
Premier Zhu has ordered state media to extend coverage of critical views expressed by members of the CPPCC to create the impression that public grievances have been heard by the leadership.
In an internal circular to the media, Mr Zhu said CPPCC members were delegates of the people and their close connections with the grassroots enabled them to solicit public opinion.
Sources said Mr Zhu hoped that public discontent would be reduced if more publicity was given to views expressed by the CPPCC, although it was only an advisory body with no decision or policy-making powers.
However, members of the NPC were urged by senior party leaders in their delegations to avoid controversy and not to raise sensitive issues at the meeting.
The CPPCC has received more than 21,000 public complaints, ranging from the plight of laid-off workers to the wastage of farmland.
An economist said: 'The economic environment is at a critical stage. Mr Zhu hopes CPPCC members, a certain number of whom are senior economists and financial experts, can contribute practical ideas to enrich policy formulation.' Sources said Mr Zhu welcomed a suggestion by some CPPCC members to establish a public bidding system for government procurement.
