In a rare show of official interaction with the ordinary people, Zhang Chunxian, secretary of Hunan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, posted New Year greetings on the Internet over the Spring Festival, drawing widespread attention from around the country.

"Happy new year to you all! Thank you for your support in the construction of Hunan province in 2006, and we will always appreciate your advice for Hunan's development," was the message Zhang wrote on the forum of provincial gateway rednet.cn.

Over 83,000 netizens read his message, 500 of whom left messages, applauding his interaction with the common people and taking the opportunity to air their thoughts.

"I expect the government to speed up the construction of freeways so that we can have more convenient transport links," said one forum user.

Another, named Xiaoge, suggested that more officials should reveal their identities on the Internet and speak with people directly over the Internet. "It is beneficial to talk and receive feedback, which will help create a harmonious society," said Xiaoge.

Source: Xinhua