The Guangdong people's political consultative conference arranged five-star hotel rooms for its commissioners. They argued it was a measure to "boost domestic demand", while others contended it was a merely a waste of public revenue on the website www.chinanews.com.cn. Following is an excerpt:
Is boosting domestic demand a good reason for the conference to book luxurious hotel for the commissioners? If so, then it could also serve to be the excuse for the public servants to eat in sumptuous restaurants, buy luxurious cars, and build extravagant office buildings. It is ridiculous.
Government coffers come from tax-payers and should serve the public interest and not be wasted. During an economic downturn, when government deploys bold fiscal policies, extra spending should be devoted to projects or social benefits which really help the people and benefit the whole society.
(China Daily February 25, 2009)