CPPCC member Jing Tiankui agreed that a political advisor should bear a stronger sense of social responsibility. But Jing also noted that it was good for Zhang to step up, speak out and get feedback. "It means the session is opener and more tolerant."

Ge Jianping, an advisor from the business circle, said that he agreed with Zhang on an amendment to the Labor Contract Law. "Companies do feel pressure after the law was put into force. Many talked about this at the meetings."

As a green hand at the session, Ge was comfortable with its ambience. "People talk frankly and get into heated discussions at panel meetings, even when officials from the State Council join us."

"First of all, you have to tell the truth to fulfill the duty of a political advisor," said Li Dongyu, an advisor from northwestern Shaanxi Province.

Confrontation has been common at China's annual full sessions of the top legislature and political advisory body.

On Saturday, two political advisors addressed the plenary meeting, one from the trade union sector and the other from the industry and commerce circle.

Zhang Mingqi, deputy president of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, upheld the Labor Contract Law and denied that it would increase costs for law-abiding employers.

However, Song Beishan, deputy chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, called for fostering small and mid-sized enterprises and trying not to deter them from hiring people while protecting employees' rights.

In contrast with traditional bureaucrats who speak in a roundabout way, aggressive lawmakers and political advisors are winning public applause.

"It is necessary and justified to debate about a tiny thing only if it matters to public interests," the People's Daily said in an editorial.

Famed economist Li Yining has been a political advisor for more than 20 years. His take on the matter? "I have witnessed improving performances by legislators and political advisors. I've seen how heated the discussion is among advisors from business circles."

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2008)