In recent years, the CPC has loosened its criteria on adopting private entrepreneurs, and during the 16th CPC National Congress in 2002, the possibility of accepting private businessmen as Central Committee members was discussed.
Peking University sociologist Xia Xueluan told the Global Times that the changes in policy were a response to calls from CPC leadership that the Party should represent the development trend of China's most advanced productive forces.
"Liang's possible Party role shows that the CPC is moving solidly in that direction, as it is making adjustments to the changing situation in the country," Xia said.
Pu Xingzu, a professor at the School of International Affairs and Public Relations at Fudan University, told Time Weekly that private entrepreneurs have been negatively regarded as "capitalists" for a long time.
"Hence, despite the integral role the private sector has played in the economic development, individuals such as Liang have not reached the social status that they deserve. The adoption of these people into the Party leadership will give them opportunities to represent their interests and help boost the development of the private business sector," Pu said.
However, some people expressed doubts over Liang's possible Party role. Fan Jinggang, founder of the left-wing group Utopia, said that the possible acceptance of Liang by the Central Committee means "private capitalism is penetrating the power base of our socialist country."
Liu voiced concerns that private entrepreneurs who entered the Party leadership would abuse their power.
"If the entrepreneur is self-disciplined and does not take advantage of his power, or there is an efficient supervision mechanism to monitor his behavior, the market will not be affected. However, we cannot exclude such risks," Liu said.
According to media reports, Liang has kept a relatively low profile despite his status.
During a board meeting in 2009, Liang proposed having only 1 yuan ($0.16) in salary for the year due to the financial crisis. His proposal was accepted and other board members including Tang also cut their income that year by as much as 90 percent.
A village official from Liang's birthplace told Time Weekly that the billionaire had donated millions of yuan to locals for various projects including roads and schools.
Huang Shaojie, Pang Qi and Ge Lili contributed to this story.
