A public hearing on proposed price changes for Beijing public tranportation system is held in Beijing, Oct 28, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

On Wednesday, the local commodity price bureau in Lanzhou, capital of the Northwest China's Gansu province, held a "flash mob-style" public hearing on the price of gas for domestic use, giving rise to doubts about its sincerity. Unsurprisingly, the hearing, which lasted for just over half an hour, passed the decision to raise the price of gas with few objections. Comments:

A public hearing will lose its credibility and legitimacy if it fails to listen to a wide range of public opinions. Of course, residents are allowed to question a unanimously passed decision made at a hearing in which only a few people were present. All departments should fulfill their obligation to respond to the public doubts. In Lanzhou's case, both the representatives and the commodity price bureau need to reflect on their failure to listen to people's opinions in an honest and fair way.

gmw.cn, Aug 28

For all government departments, holding a public hearing for whatever purposes should be about explaining their proposal based on sufficient and open discussions. Residents may not feel comfortable with a possible hike in their life expenses, but they are more likely to accept it if the plan is reasonable and well explained. Those departments which seek to muddle through a rushed public hearing are afraid that residents will oppose their proposals.

rednet.cn, Aug 28

Local authorities' respect for public opinion is only convincing when the people are genuinely allowed to offer their opinions. An open hearing only makes sense if it is truly aimed at making a decision in the interests of the majority. Therefore, to make sure that residents enjoy their right to take part in decision-making calls for a healthier hearing system, in which representatives are strictly selected and the authorities can no longer dismiss out of hand any objections

Chinese Business View, Aug 28

In essence, real public opinions are tantamount to uncertainties, which have to be taken seriously by decision-makers. Some government departments might resort to trying to silence the public will when it goes against their intentions. They must not only listen to the public's opinions, they must also respect them.

West China Metropolis Daily, Aug 28