Stephen Chow, a Hong Kong comedian and director, was elected a member of the 11th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The list, registering a total of 978 names, was approved at the 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 10th CPPCC Guangdong Provincial Committee on Jan. 14, 2013.

Apart from Chow, the list also counts several big names from the media and entertainment industry, including Ma Dingsheng, Sally Wu and Ken Tong.

"A CPPCC member has to be influential in his or her own field. Therefore, Chow, as a well-known actor, is surely qualified for the post," said an official of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPPCC. "Chow himself has also promised to perform the duties required of a political advisor."

The CPPCC is an advisory body to conduct political consultation and exercise democratic supervision and its members have the rights to take part in the discussion and management of state affairs.