It was the first time that she had sat through a regular meeting of the city's top legislative body.

"I wish to air my opinion to the city's leading group through the congress, so that the government might learn of and resolve issues of concern to me, such as the welfare of elder people and refurbishment of old houses in my community," said Fan.

She said that attending the BMPC sessions was a good way for common citizens to become aware of and participate in the city's policy-making.

In spite of the heavy snow, about 40 citizens attended yesterday's conference, some of who traveled tens of kilometers from their suburban homes.

In October 1999, the 11th Standing Committee of the BMPC passed a regulation that permitted Beijing citizens to attend its regular conferences as observers.

Though the audience is seated in a public gallery separated from the meeting room by a huge glass window, it can give suggestions and opinions in written reports.

The reports are forwarded to the relevant government departments for consideration.

Statistics show that since 1999, a total of 538 citizens have participated in 23 sessions of the 11th Standing Committee. They put forward 396 suggestions and opinions, many of which have attracted government and public attention. Some constructive ideas have been adopted.

For instance, the local government decided to exempt people over 70 years from bus fares as a result of a citizen's suggestion, said Xie Chunwen, an official with the BMPC.

Sun Ying, a young secretary, said it was the second time that she had attended the BMPC conference.

"I have not offered any suggestions so far, but attending the meeting helps me learn more about how city regulations are developed and how our delegates are working," said Sun.

"The BMPC releases the conference agenda a couple of days before the meeting is held. If there are some topics I am interested in, I will phone the BMPC to sign up as a member of the audience.

"However, I will not be chosen every time because the number of guests is limited and many people want to have the opportunity to attend," said Sun.

Beijing residents also have other opportunities to have a greater say in the city's policy-making.

For instance, improvements in Beijing's appearance and sanitation management were achieved on the basis of feedback from local residents.

More than 4,400 suggestions and comments were offered by residents by phone or mail over a period of 12 days after the draft was made public.

"It reflects a strong interest and sense of participation by people in public affairs," said Yu Junbo, director of the Standing Committee of BMPC.

"We will try to create more channels for local residents to air their own opinions and offer suggestions, so that regulations and policies can be made to better serve them," said Yu.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2002)