Legislator: Training to preserve rule of law

The country’s top legislator called on Tuesday for better study and implementation of the newly adopted Constitution to make the fundamental law “alive” in society.

To amend the Constitution is to better implement it, and leading officials should take the lead to respect, study and enforce the law, said Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

He made the remarks at a seminar on studying and implementing the new Constitution, which was adopted at a plenary session of the NPC on March 11.

The landmark amendment enshrines Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into the fundamental law. It also lists supervisory commissions as new State organs.

“The life and authority of the Constitution lies in implementation,” Li said, adding that better enforcement of the Constitution will further uphold the rule of law and improve the country’s capability of national governance.

He also called for more efforts to be made and events to be organized to popularize the fundamental law among the general public.

“We should make the law text alive in our work and daily life,” Li said, adding that any inquiries about the Constitution from the public should get timely explanation from legislators.

Hu Jinguang, a law professor at Renmin University of China, said the seminar was held at a proper time in the Constitution’s evolution.

“The first and key step to popularize and implement the law is to ensure leading officials fully understand it and take its implementation seriously,” he said.

Hu said he has observed that more events to promote the Constitution have been held around Constitution Day, which falls each year on Dec 4, but it’s rare to see the top legislature organize such a seminar at other times.

“The study is very timely, which shows the authority of the law and the country’s determination to implement it,” he said.

Hu also suggested more knowledge and activities on the Constitution be added and developed in schools so the younger generation could gain a better understanding.