Public can monitor official cars

Ou Shaokun, better known as Uncle Ou among residents in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, has voluntarily supervised the use of government cars in the city. His efforts are praiseworthy but he should not be fighting alone against the misuse of government vehicles, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

The 60-year-old uses his cell phone to take photos of the license plates of government cars being misused by civil servants. He has been doing this for six years, despite the threats he receives from rule breakers.

Ou has so far reported more than 100 cases in which government cars were used for personal business. His efforts have ensured that the rule breakers receive the punishment that they deserve.

Government cars being used for personal gain is a problem that has existed for a long time. Ou's efforts are a classic example of how the public can become a part of governance, and he should not be fighting alone.

The efforts of a few individuals are certainly far from enough, more people should act as watchdogs to ensure officials do not abuse their privileges. This will prevent further misuse of government cars and force local governments to step up reform efforts and make the process transparent.

(China Daily 07/05/2012 page9)