OPINION> Commentary
Time to tighten belts
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-25 07:48

We hope more members of the local CPPCC stand on the side of Gao Deliang to oppose such money-wasting extravagances as high-end hotel rooms by meeting-organizers, says an article on the website www.rednet.cn. The following is an excerpt:

Gao Deliang, a member of the Guangzhou city committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultation Conference (CPPCC), refused to eat and live in the five-star hotel arranged by organizers on Monday while attending meetings. Also, Gao criticized the meeting organizers for failing to take the lead in tightening their belts amid the financial crisis.

Previously, Gao and some other members suggested to the organizers that they should call off the high-end room and board arrangement since most members have homes nearby, but unfortunately his suggestion was rejected. The case typifies the lack of thrift by some government officials and workers.

Thrift should not be just pinned on the wall as a slogan, but should be put into practice. In fact, some other provinces have already tried to cut off their budgets in holding CPPCC meetings.

(China Daily 02/25/2009 page8)