PRIVILEGE MINDSET

Analysts said the public anger triggered by the case reflected calls for more social democracy and justice.

Li Qiming's father, Li Gang.

"The social justice of China should be taken care of. The public's need for justice is not just about solving problems like income differences, but also related to social structure and social psychology," said Wu Zhongmin.

The hit-and-run scandal has revealed the "privilege" mindset that some public officials have passed on to their families, which should be paid immediate attention to, said Wu.

It also challenged the CPC's long-held idea, which was all for the masses and all relying on the masses, he said.

The Li Gang case was destructive in nature, and could sabotage the close relationship between the CPC and the people, said Wu.

"Government departments should make an internal inspection and correction if any trend like this exists," he added.

"The mass line is the fundamental principle that all CPC members should stick to and implement," said Xu Yaotong, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Governance.

"A close relationship with the people is an excellent tradition of the CPC, and also its most advanced political advantage," Xu said.