Photo by Wang Xinqing
Chinese lawmakers were told to get down to business and prevent digression when making speeches at the top legislature's meetings, according to a draft amendment submitted to the ongoing legislative session for approval on Monday.
The draft amendment to the rules of procedure of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee is one of many proposed laws being considered for the first time by the top legislature, which convened its bimonthly session, scheduled from April 20 to 24.
The law amendment, submitted by the top legislature's Council of Chairmen in order to improve NPC procedures, says "members of the NPC Standing Committee should address legislative plenary or group meetings within preset topics."
It also sets out speech application procedures.
Li Fei, deputy director of the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the NPC Standing Committee, said when briefing lawmakers that the top legislature's current rules of procedure dated back to November 1987.
"Over the past two decades, the rules have improved the legislature's working mechanism, standardized procedures, boosted efficiency and ensured execution of duties," said Li, adding amendment was needed to embody development of the country's lawmaking system.
The rules of procedure amendment also stipulates that members of the NPC Standing Committee and nonvoting personnel should not talk more than ten minutes at plenary sessions, and the speech time should not exceed 15 minutes at group meetings.
The speech time can be extended if the meeting's moderator agrees, it says.
The amendment also says bills on personnel changes should include basic introductions of officials and reasons of appointment or dismissal.