China's State Councilor Ma Kai on Thursday called for the advancement of the administrative system reform to build a service-oriented government.

Ma, president of the National School of Administration, made the remarks at a ceremony marking the opening of the new semester.

"To deepen the reform of the administrative system is an important job for the Party and the government at the moment," said Ma, also secretary-general of the State Council, China's cabinet.

According to Ma, 46 cabinet departments have completed the task of officially defining their functions, organizational structures and staff quotas. The remaining departments are in the process of doing so.

Ma added that the reform of local governments shall also be pursued at a proper time.

He stressed that the core of the administrative system reform is to abandon the "omnipotent" government and build a limited government. The role of the government must change from administration and control to service.

Government must provide good public service, safeguard social justice, be more transparent and reform the way it manages the market and the society, Ma said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2008)