BEIJING - The State Council has appointed five members to its Counselors' Office and nine new members to the Central Research Institute of Culture and History (CRICH).

Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday gave appointment letters to the new members and held a discussion with them on various social issues.

During the discussion, the counselors and researchers gave their advice on the development of China's western regions, improvements in macroeconomic adjustment and the overseas presence of Chinese culture.

Hailing the counselors and researchers' role in the country's scientific and democratic decision-making process, Wen said current efforts still lag behind the demands of national modernization and people's expectations.

"Candid voices and critical advice can help us stay clear-headed, pay attention to easily-ignored issues and avoid errors in decision-making process," Wen said.

Wen urged the counselors and researchers to go "deep into reality" for their research and improve their consultation abilities.

Wen called on new media entities to make more efforts to pool public wisdom and channel public feelings toward the government, while experts and think tanks were asked to boost public responsibility and encourage more independent thought.

"What we pursue is not only economic development, but also social progress and people's liberty, equality and overall development," Wen said.