Deputies to the people's congress took the unusual step yesterday of seeking public comment on a controversial issue via the mass media.

He Wei, a deputy to the Beijing Municipal People's Congress (BMPC), asked people to voice their opinions online and through newspapers on a proposal to ban the eating of wild animals.

It is probably the first time in the BMPC's history that its deputy has used the media to make such an appeal. He, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said he would hand the proposal to the upcoming second session of the 12th BMPC. The call for change comes in wake of the outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

He said seeking public comment on the issue would be instructive and make decision-making more democratic.

He is just one of 10 deputies to the BMPC that sought public comment ahead of the one-week session that will open on February 20.

Five members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Beijing Committee also joined He to seek proposals from the public.

The campaign is being sponsored by the Beijing Times and Sina website. People can call 9609-6333 or email xinjingbao@vip.sina.com with their suggestions and opinions on any topics of interest.

Xu Bin, a BMPC deputy taking part in the campaign, said that she planned to draw up a proposal on how to safeguard cultural relics while building a modern city.

"Although I am working at the Beijing Academy of Urban Planning and Design and have experience on the topic, I need public suggestions and opinions to enrich my proposal," said Xu. "After all, it is better if my proposal reflects wider views."

The Beijing Evening News has also teamed up with the sina.com.cn and beijing.gov.cn websites to create a public platform to discuss issues with the deputies.

So far, three members of the CPPCC Beijing Committee have taken part in online discussions on the topics of traffic, piracy and garbage disposal. Other issues of concern include education and changes to heating prices.

(China Daily February 13, 2004)