Political advisory body ringing out as people's voice

Sharing experiences

Alvis Lo Iek-long, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC from Macao, said his understanding of whole-process people's democracy comes from his experiences in Henan, a province located over 1,500 kilometers away from the special administrative region.

Macao and Hong Kong do not have their own CPPCC committees. Outstanding representatives from the two special administrative regions can be assigned to different mainland provinces and cities.

"In Macao, we are offered opportunities to participate in different provincial and municipal CPPCC activities, depending on our work performance and capabilities," Lo said.

He benefited from this experience and served on the CPPCC Henan Provincial Committee. Lo later brought some young people from Macao to Henan to explore the Central Plains culture and integrate with the local people.

"From a historical and cultural perspective, we aimed to help our young people understand our country better," said Lo, who also serves as vice-chairman of the All-China Youth Federation.

"This can enable Macao to better integrate into the overall development of our nation. It provides youth in Macao with opportunities to engage with our national political system."

Pan Yuping, a national political adviser based in Sichuan province, is a member of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, one of the eight non-Communist political parties. Taiwan compatriots also have the chance to participate in whole-process people's democracy through the political advisory body, Pan said.

During Sichuan Provincial CPPCC meetings, Taiwan youth are invited to participate. They also take part in research tours to better understand the development of the mainland, and increase their understanding of the political system and democratic procedures.

"This ensures they gain a thorough understanding of our whole-process people's democracy," Pan said. "And, they find life here is very fulfilling, so they are keen to share their positive experiences with their friends and family back in Taiwan."

Clarence Ling Chun-kit, a CPPCC National Committee member from Hong Kong, said his understanding of democracy is reflected in something as simple as a train ticket.

The youth entrepreneurship base in Nansha district in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, is close to Hong Kong and draws young people from Hong Kong to embark on entrepreneurial journeys in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

However, transportation had long hampered the process, as train tickets between the cities are in high demand and often sold out. Last year, Ling submitted a proposal to increase the frequency of trains between Nansha and Hong Kong to foster greater regional integration.

"About three to four months later, the Guangdong Development and Reform Commission called me. I was surprised, because I didn't expect them to contact me. Then we had a long chat," Ling recalled.

The number of high-speed train services, which used to be only four round trips per day, has since been increased. "I submitted proposals and different government departments took them very seriously," he said.