Many people seem more interested in what celebrity members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference have to say at the annual session of the national advisory body, instead of paying attention to really important matters. But this is contrary to what people should be doing during the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the CPPCC, says an article in Beijing Times. Excerpts:

This is not the first time that celebrity CPPCC members have attracted undue attention during the annual sessions of the CPPCC and the National People's Congress. The problem is that many important proposals presented during the two sessions have been neglected.

Some celebrity CPPCC members even try to impress the media by putting on smart dresses, which have nothing to do with the functions of either the CPPCC or the NPC.

If the public only remembers how celebrity CPPCC members dress and their tidbits rather than the proposals they present, the CPPCC members may not be fulfilling their duties.

However, some celebrity CPPCC members have shared their insights into their areas of expertise. For example, actor Pu Cunxin, a two-time CPPCC member, has submitted proposals to enhance publicity and education on AIDS prevention and control, rescuing abducted children and protecting finless porpoises. CPPCC members like Pu have made substantial contribution during the two sessions that deserve more public attention.

People will get many opportunities to chase celebrities throughout the year. So we should use the time during the two sessions to focus on some political issues that are more important for the people.

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(China Daily 03/11/2014 page10)