Deputies to the National People's Congress and CPPCC members come
from all parts of China and from many walks of life. For some, this
will be their first national congress - to serve for five years as
a representative for the people of their area. For others, it will
be business as usual, in a changing China. To find out how the
people of China are best served by their chosen representatives,
china.org.cn takes a close-up look at these people and what
concerns they have for the China of today.
Here we meet long time champion of the people's causes, Sidney
Shapiro.
Q:
Which group of the National Committee of the Chinese People's
Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) do you belong to?
A:
I am from the Press and Publishing Group of the 10th National
Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
(CPPCC). I have continued to hold the post as a national committee
member since the 6th CPPCC National Committee.
Q:
What is your profession?
A:
I am a Chinese citizen, although foreign born, and a retired
veteran cadre from the China Pictorial magazine. Even though I am
retired I have never stopped working and have written several books
and translations from home.
Q:
Where are you from?
A:
Beijing.
Q:
What is the issue of most concern to people in your area of
China?
A:
My house is a bungalow at a small hutong (lane) beside the
Shichahai Lake (a famous scenic spot in Beijing). I have lived
there for many years. My neighbors are mostly ordinary people such
as workers and retired officials. There is a military camp near to
our hutong. I understand my neighbors. Their primary concerns are
various and about aspects of daily life proper social order,
security, stable employment and income, and education for children.
Ordinary concerns for ordinary people.
Q:
What proposals have you made, or what did you hope to accomplish at
this session?
A:
Nothing yet - it's only the first day of the session. I haven't
decided on my proposals. Our group has expanded from 20 to 50
members. Therefore I get to hear a lot more from new members.
Q:
When the conference is not in session, how do you exercise your
responsibilities as a CPPCC member?
A:
As a member of the CPPCC, I am active within my own group. For
example, group discussions on specific topics take place at a group
level. The CPPCC serves as a bridge between the Party, the
government and the people. We report people's responses and demands
to state leadership. Although we have no legislative power, we can
offer personal or joint proposals to senior Party members and
leaders. We have close relationships with the NPC and we play an
important and vital role.
Q:
What is your hope for the future?
A:
We need more new laws although we have already made many new ones
in the past five years. Today many new problems exist outside the
extent of legislation and this changing world needs to be reflected
in the law. Also new laws need to be revised and in some case
expanded.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Chen Chao, March 11, 2003)
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