The public has a right to know why public officials disappear

The public has the right to know how authorities deal with official disappearance cases, said an article on Beijing Youth Daily (excerpts below).

Wang Yanwei, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Huadu District Committee in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, has been missing for more than 50 days under the excuse of sick leave.

Officials from Guangzhou Commission of Discipline Inspection told media that until now they were unable to get in touch with Wang and they are still discussing how to handle with the situation.

It's strange that a senior official temporarily disappeared, and Wang is not the only one.

In Guangzhou, official disappearance cases have happened several times in recent years. These sorts of occurrences should draw attention from authorities.

Wang's disappearance provoked wide public discussion, contributing to many rumors about the reason for his missing.

In respect for the public's right to know, authorities should disclose the progress of this case as long as national secrets are not revealed and the investigation is not disturbed.

Wang's missing is not a private affair but a significant public affair that involves public interest.

Thus, related authorities should explain when senior officials go missing because as public figures they have administrative power and may have a great impact on society.

Wang and other missing officials' cases remind discipline inspection authorities and related public security authorities to keep a close watch on officials' information and movements to effectively prevent corrupt officials from running away.