New rules aim to weed out inept officials

The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Friday issued a new regulation to ensure disqualified officials are demoted or sacked. Under the new rules, officials who are corrupt, irresponsible, incompetent, or have an "undesirable work style" will be weeded out regardless of their rank. Comments:

Putting all officials, senior or junior, under strict supervision and management, the new regulation should result in vital reform of Chinese officialdom. Besides, it will put an end to the traditional immunity enjoyed by both high-ranking corrupt officials and incompetent ones. In other words, those incapable of fulfilling their due responsibilities will still be dismissed even they are not involved in corruption.

Zhu Lijia, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance, June 27

The new regulation, if put into practice, will not only inject fresh momentum into officialdom but also send a warning to those who think they are "immovable".

Wang Yukai, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Governance, June 27

The trail run of the CPC regulation means that the Party's personnel system is undergoing modernization in accordance with modern management ideas including those adopted by enterprises. The possibility of demotion as well as promotion can restrain and motivate incumbent civil servants at the same time, encouraging more of them to work harder instead of dawdling away their time.

ifeng.com, June 26

The newly revised rules draw an institutional redline that promotion will not only be based on instant performance and promoted officials do not have immunity from supervision. They also send a warning to those incompetent and irresponsible officials, while encouraging those dedicated to their duties to apply for promotion.

southcn.com, June 28