Oversight by the people's congresses still has room for improvement because National People's Congress (NPC) deputies aren't bold enough to criticize the government, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. Following is an excerpt:

It is generally said that members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) seem to be bolder than deputies to the NPC in criticizing the government and its work.

CPPCC members lashed out at the absence of Liu Xiang from the CPPCC meetings, called for the abolition of administrative-level universities, and questioned whether top health regulators really understand conditions in rural regions.

Their bold criticisms have won support from the public and also triggered heated debate. However, NPC deputies seem more conservative and careful in making their comments and raising proposals.

The difference is mainly due to the composition of representatives. NPC deputies are largely government officials, making it hard to be a player and referee at the same time. That's why they tend to avoid criticizing the government work they've performed themselves. Meanwhile, lower-ranking officials tend to obey the orders of superiors, and it will be tough for them to voice dissent before their bosses.

But CPPCC members usually come from non-Communist parties and not many of them have served as officials, so they have fewer misgivings about actively supervising the government.

(China Daily March 13, 2009)