Li Ruihuan, chairman of the Ninth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), emphasized the importance of consultation prior to decision making.

"Consultation is a main function and main work method for the CPPCC," Li said, noting that all the three generations of leaders of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) have attached great importance to consulting with members of CPPCC at different levels.

The CPPCC leader, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, made the remarks at a panel discussion held by CPC members on the CPPCC National Committee.

"Consultations are conducive to getting to know the views and opinions of various parties, social bodies and people in different social circles and to democratic, scientific decision making," he said.

A smart leader is wise not because he has a better head than others but because he is better at learning from others, Li said. Consultation means being willing to listen to different voices, he added.

The CPPCC National Committee leader stressed that equality is the basis for consultation and sincerity the premise. He urged CPC members in all CPPCC organizations to develop a habit of consulting with their non-Communist party counterparts.