Decision makers need to listen to public opinion, says an article in the China Economic Times. An excerpt follows:

Two public issues have attracted wide attention recently: ticket price hikes for transport during the Spring Festival holiday, which begins on February 9, and the Band 4 and 6 English tests for non-English majors in colleges.

Hot discussions have been sparked in the Chinese media. Piles of questions have been raised on the rationality of the price rises and the tests.

Facing tough questions from the public, no relevant departments have made a speedy response. The Ministry of Railways has only made a simple reply, saying the price hike is in line with the result of a hearing in 2002. No further explanations have been made.

The government does not have to abide by all the views of the public, which are not always reasonable. But facing such overwhelming public opinions on the two issues, the government should not keep silent. Decision makers should respect public opinion.

The administration should keep an active interaction with the public, especially when the public voice is so loud, as it is here.

It is normal that decision-making is not in line with the public voice in some cases. But fair access for communications should be opened between the administration and the public. Any intentional negligence of public opinions is not in the interests of a government that respects the public and wants to improve its administration.

The contrast between the heated public discussion and the silence kept by the government shows that the interaction between the administration and the public still needs to be improved.

The public are increasingly becoming aware of participating in public affairs. But it is a pity that such public voices, to some extent, do not get a timely response from the government. Some departments should show more respect for the public voice and improve their services.

(China Daily January 18, 2005)