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Profile of Jia Qinglin - CPPCC chairman
(Xinhua) Updated: 2008-03-13 22:03 Mobilize All Social Groups Open-minded as he is, Jia believes democracy and unity are like the "wheels of a car and wings of a bird". He has innovated a joint inspection working mechanism among multi-parties to strengthen the CPPCC's role as the manifestation of China's socialist democracy. Guided by his conception of pulling the wisdom of all people, particularly grassroots people, the CPPCC is playing a better role as an open forum where the ruling CPC, non-Communist parties and people without party affiliation discuss state affairs freely and on an equal footing. "The CPPCC National Committee should stick to the multi-party cooperation and political consultation as the basic political system and continue to promote harmonious relations among political parties, ethnic groups, religions, social strata, and compatriots at home and overseas," Jia stressed. Indeed, those who had worked with him said that they were often impressed by Jia's superb ability to unite with people around him. Jia maintained sincere friendship with non-communist members. One of them was China's most revered writer Ba Jin. In 2005, when Ba Jin was sick in bed, he went to see him in Shanghai. After Ba Jin passed away, he expressed his mourning for the great writer on behalf of the Central Committee of the CPC.Jia was also close to Hong Kong's business tycoon Henry Ying Tung Fok, former vice chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC. After he passed away, Jia wrote the preface for the collected works in memory of the tycoon, calling him "a close friend of the CPC". As the CPC leader who is responsible for uniting leaders of religious groups, he often attends important conferences in religious circle. During his visits across China, he would frequent Buddhism temples, mosques, Catholic churches to have heart-to-heart talks with religion followers. He also has in-depth knowledge of major religions. He can fluently recite large parts from the Buddhism classics. Jia has also strengthened close ties with representatives from the new social group including lawyers, accountants and senior managers in foreign companies who have joined the political advisory body since the 10th CPPCC National Committee was formed. "More attention should be paid to their needs and smooth channels should be established for them to be better voiced," he said. Foreign media thus reported that his words showed that the CPPCC had become more open and represented people more broadly, a sign of the development of China's democratic politics. This is indeed what Jia has advocated. A proposal put forth by the Central Committee of the CPC, focusing on "political consultation among people from different sectors" and "executing power through election and voting", is regarded by Jia as a guiding role in the work of the CPPCC. |
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