OPINION> Commentary
Public debates a good omen
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-15 07:37

Government officials' public debate is a progress in political culture, and it should be made a catalyst for improving our governing philosophy, says an article in Beijing News. The following is an excerpt:

Two public debates by local officials were held recently in Nanjing and Chongqing respectively. While both breathed fresh air, minds of ordinary people, as well as government servants, have been further emancipated.

The rationale for officials arguing publicly is to learn to convince people of their work, to face and try to fix problems directly, and to treat people fairly.

To convince the public with sound reasoning is an advancing step in administrative culture.

Nowadays, many of China's social contradictions are triggered by the lack of convincing reasoning, instead of which compelling forces are used in carrying out policies. For example, forcible demolitions of residential houses and land requisition have been unpopular among people.

The debates should not be taken as only a test for officials' individual logic and eloquence. Its vital importance is to solicit different opinions on public policies and make more information available for the public.

Politics is all about managing affairs of the public, the validity of which comes from proper governing measures and sound reasoning, rather than a show of might. And to govern properly, the government must not replace people in deciding everything; rather, it should allow people to fully express their concerns, decide on their own interest and defend their rights in accordance with the law.

Furthermore, we may also plan to establish other debating platforms between the government and the public since the use of reason is a two-way traffic between the administration and the people.

(China Daily 07/15/2008 page8)