All eyes on officials' bad work style

Chinese internet users are using the country's twitter-like microblogging website to monitor government officials' efforts to reject extravagance and reduce bureaucratism.

The newly elected leadership of the country's ruling party vowed to meet eight requirements to improve their work style on Dec. 4.

They asked officials at all levels to condense meetings, reduce ceremonies, shorten traffic controls during officials' visits and exercise thrift.

Internet users applauded the leadership's determination, and have since been exposing officials that do not implement the requirements, urging them to make corrections.

Web China, a microblog account of Xinhua News Agency on weibo.com, has received hundreds of comments and private messages reporting officials that still exercise an extravagant working style.

Last Friday, a Xinhua correspondent investigated a report from "Convenience library 3", posting the investigation progress online, and having the problem solved on the day.

According to this Internet user, officials from public security bureau, procuratorate, and court of Wuhu City's economic development zone held a work conference in a five-star hotel 280 kilometers away, a typical extravagant working style.

Local government reacted quickly and posted a public announcement on weibo.com eight hours after the incident was reported.

The announcement verified the report. It said the conference was held without the approval of superior departments. "The officials held responsible have been asked to be self-critical while participants of the conference should bear the expenses themselves instead of applying for reimbursements."

On Wednesday, an Internet user reported on weibo.com that Dechang city in south China was controlling traffic on a highway for officials on a visit.

Local traffic police responded in about four hours, telling CCTV, the country's state media, that the temporary highway closure was due to an emergency drill.

The traffic management bureau posted an apology on its microblog afterwards, and welcomed the public's supervision of their work.

Experts said the outcry of Internet users demanding the elimination of wrongdoings gears up governments' implementation of the eight requirements.

"Internet supervision is a good way for citizens' voices to be heard, especially when government's supervision methods on the eight requirements have not come out yet," said Wu Hui, professor at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Internet users were impressed that an investigation can yield results in such a short period of time and that the government is taking the online reporting channel seriously.

"Governments' quick responses show our officials care about citizens' concerns," said "Xiaoyige rocks", who believed they could develop much closer relations with the public.

Ren Zhiqiang, a well-known outspoken real estate boss, commented on weibo.com that he believes more similar measures will follow, and the new leadership will not disappoint people.

However, some said supervision through the Internet still has to be improved.

"What is the most appropriate way for Internet users to report officials, how should the government accept and handle these reports, and what role should the media take? There should be laws to address these questions." "Xiaoertiao" commented.

Internet user "Kunlun" said "Internet supervision may become personal criticisms or groundless allegations, and the problem lies in verification. It is unrealistic for Xinhua to send correspondents to investigate every complaint Internet users make."