Cadres urged to listen
A SENIOR Chinese leader has urged cadres to canvass the people's opinion when formulating new policies.
Li Ruihuan, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, yesterday made the remark during a panel discussion with NPC deputies from Tianjin.
He indicated officials had neglected the importance of knowing what people's views were, in formulating policies.
'They are inexperienced in mobilising the masses,' Mr Li told Xinhua (the New China News Agency).
'Some of them are even detached from the people. They have no idea about people's desires, ideas, demands and state-of-mind,' Mr Li said.
According to the former Tianjin mayor, one important way to judge the effectiveness of a policy and the performance of an official was to see whether the people were satisfied and happy.
'Cadres are the servants of people. It is the highest principle of our party and Government to serve the people whole-heartedly,' said Mr Li, whose portfolio was propaganda and ideology.
Mr Li admitted new policies would harm some citizens' interests, but he urged cadres to make friends with people who 'dare to speak the truth' and share their comforts and hardships.
Officials should be encouraged to use modern, scientific means to collect public opinion, such as surveys or other information networks.
'Only by doing so, can they formulate and improve policies timely, guide the people correctly, reduce or avoid big losses and win people's support,' said Mr Li, who is also a Politburo member.
