The country's crusade against corruption has turned so expansive
in recent years that reports of even public servants at the
ministerial level being sacked for corruption no longer raises
eyebrows.
In each of the past years, we found some bigwigs fall into the
net of the disciplinary authorities of the Communist Party of
China, on corruption charges.
All this leads to a stronger popular belief that the CPC is
getting really tough on the corrupt.
The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the
Party's and the country's most effective corruption buster so far,
has worked hard and achieved a lot in handling one of the most
prominent sources of public indignation. From its toils we see the
clear awareness and consistent resolve of the President and CPC
General Secretary Hu Jintao cited on Tuesday while addressing a
CCDI event.
President Hu made a sensible point calling for awareness of the
complexity, difficulty and long-term nature of the fight against
corruption. We cannot do away with such an evil in just one stroke.
We have to prepare for a long campaign that may be full of twists
and turns. And there has to be no turning back.
We all hope to see the CCDI apply the toughest blows against
corrupt elements. Their existence has not only tarnished the
Party's image and credibility, but greatly discounted its pledge to
deliver good governance.
But no matter how much more diligent and energetic it is, the
CCDI has its limitations.
A more efficient way to do it lies in President Hu's proposal to
restrain powers. Corruption occurs where public power is not
subject to effective oversight. The remedy then is to make sure it
is placed under scrutiny.
Putting limits to public powers is no doubt a tricky job,
especially when vested interests are involved. But it is worth the
pains if we are truly after a long-term solution.
(China Daily January 17, 2008)