The annual national sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference are an occasion to hear what the participants say on State affairs. Their opinions or suggestions can make a difference to the making of a particular policy.

Therefore, whether they can speak their minds is of importance to the outcome of the sessions.

So sharp but not extreme criticisms are encouraged to create a democratic atmosphere, Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the 12th CPPCC National Committee, said in his speech at the opening of this year's session of the committee on Monday.

There is an old Chinese saying that good medicine is bitter in taste but good in getting rid of disease, frank advice grates on the ears but benefits conduct.

When it comes to the gathering of the delegates of the country's national legislative body and its advisory committee, the sharper the criticisms from NPC deputies and CPPCC members are, a clearer picture the top authorities will hopefully get of the national situation in various sectors and the more sober they will hopefully become about the making of a particular policy to address a particular problem.

However, such a gathering is different from a discussion among colleagues. Lodging complaints or giving vent to grievances not only contributes little to the settlement of particular problems, it also makes such an important and serious occasion a waste of time.

For NPC deputies and CPPCC members, what they say in the discussions or in their motions should be based on careful investigations or research they have conducted. They should know exactly what they are talking about.

In addition, extreme criticism, which more often than not is merely giving vent to grievances, may appear eye-catching and sensational but all too often it just scratches the surface of a problem rather than getting to the root cause.

It is definitely right for the NPC and CPPCC to be open to all sorts of criticism, even if it is extreme. But both NPC deputies and CPPCC members should never consider such a serious occasion as an opportunity to cut a conspicuous figure, either by being attired prominently or by making sensational remarks.

Rather, insightful ideas and constructive criticism or motions based on solid investigation and research are of vital importance to the sound performance of their duties.