Luo Gan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called on officials to learn from the late leader Mao Zedong's experience on ways to deal with complaints lodged by ordinary people.

Luo made the remark Tuesday while addressing a gathering in this capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, in memory of the 40th anniversary of an instruction given by Mao about the so-called "Fengqiao Experience."

In 1963, Mao praised Fengqiao Town for its experience in dealing with grassroots complaints by depending on the masses, an efficient way to maintain social order and stability in localities.

Luo said new contradictions between the government and the people have arisen in some areas over the past two decades of reform, and it is a major political task for local Party organizations and governments to handle these contradictions and problems.

He urged local governments to seriously deal with problems closely related to the people's interests and benefits, and step up efforts to develop grassroots democracy.

Xiao Yang, president of the Supreme People's Court, was present at the gathering in Zhuji City, where Fengqiao Town is located.

(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2003)