Legislation must be based on experiences from practice, reflect the people's will and protect their interests, China's top legislator Li Peng said Saturday.
Joining panel discussions of deputies from Guangdong and Tianjin to the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's highest legislature, Li said it is imperative to use the weapon of law to protect the legitimate rights and benefits of disadvantaged groups.
"We must extend our care to special groups such as migrant and laid-off workers and provide them with necessary legal aid," he said.
Staying with the Guangdong delegation, Li stressed the importance of protecting the investment environment according to law.
In any place, the more developed the economy, the more important the work to adhere to the rule of law there, he said.
Li told deputies from Tianjin that the port city should use its advantages in land resources and good transportation facilities to develop the high-tech sector and attract more foreign investment.
He also urged the city to improve community services to provide better cultural, medical and other services to citizens.
During the panel discussions, the deputies expressed approval of the NPC Standing Committee's work in legislation, supervision of government over the past year, among others.
The deputies also made suggestions on the promulgation of a supervision law and improvement in the procedures for NPC deputy election.
(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2002)