Beijing, Feb 7 (IANS): A soft porn actress has debuted as a political adviser in a Chinese city, sparking an online debate with some questioning how she was selected for the post.

Global Times said that while some government officials are brewing up a storm online for their leaked sex tapes, one soft porn actress has made her own splash by debuting as a political adviser.

On Jan 22, wearing a pair of black glasses and a ponytail, Peng Dan, also known as Diana Peng, a Hong Kong actress who used to star in erotic movies, attended the opening ceremony of the 11th Gansu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Lanzhou, capital city of Northwest China's Gansu Province.

"The news soon invaded social networks, with some questioning how Peng was selected for the post and others ridiculing her wholesale transformation," said the report.

It noted that at a time when old politicians are ending their five-year term, many new well-known faces, including entertainment stars, have been listed on national and regional CPPCC committees.

"Some fans showed support toward these fledgling politicians but far more said they were convinced of their acting skills but not of their ability to play politicians."

Peng, 40, born in Changsha, Central China's Hunan province, shot to fame for her role in Hong Kong skin flicks such as 1997's "Erotic Ghost Story: Perfect Match".

In recent years, she has acted in more mainstream films.

However, her move into politics this year took many aback.

"I think the significance of Peng being selected is that the male members will not fall asleep but will keep their eyes on where she sits," Kong Zhiyong, a sales manager, commented on his Sina Weibo. "Thus, more porn stars will be admitted to the committees."