Stephen Chow's role as political adviser sees rocky start

Stephen Chow, a political adviser to Guangdong province, arrives for the annual session of the Guangzhou political advisory body in the provincial capital, Guangzhou, on Jan 25, 2013. [Photo by Lin Guiyan / for China Daily]

In an earlier interview, Tsang said he believed Chow would do a good job in the political advisory body.

"People may think he is only an actor and film director, but he pays a lot of attention to issues outside the film industry," Tsang said.

Tsang said that Chow's experience in acting and making films will help him make useful proposals.

"You reporters should give him some time to prepare for the conference. And I believe he will do well in the new role," Tsang said.

Chow also said he needs time to prepare before he makes a proposal.

"My proposal is related to the culture and film industries," he said.

Su Zhengwu, an official with the Guangdong committee, said the participation of Hong Kong celebrities in local political affairs will help boost cooperation in the artistic field.

"A political adviser has to be influential in his or her own field. Chow, as a celebrity, is certainly qualified for the post," Su said.

"Chow has promised to perform the duties required of a political adviser. But he needs some time to understand the process," Su added.

After the opening of the local legislature session, Chow did not attend a panel discussion on Friday afternoon.

"Political advisers, especially influential participants, should balance their work and the conference," said Lin Qiucheng, a Guangdong political adviser.

"The conference only lasts a few days. Chow's absence in the first two days has some negative impact. He should take his duty as it is defined," he said.

At the first day of the advisory body's session on Wednesday, more than 10 advisers asked for a leave of absence.

"Chow's absence is a great pity, both for the conference and himself. As a comic star, he should tell the public that he is not a person who simply makes jokes," said Ma Dingsheng, a host on Phoenix Television.

Contact the writer at qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn