Punishment vowed on misconduct in official selection

Liu Yunshan(C), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks at a meeting of chiefs of local CPC organization departments from across the country, in Beijing, Jan. 21, 2014. (Photo source: Xinhua)

Senior leader Liu Yunshan has urged punishment for violations during the selection and promotion of officials on a "case by case" basis.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the comments while addressing a meeting of chiefs of local CPC organization departments from across the country held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Any interventions that violate rules and discipline in the selection and promotion of officials, such as bribery and the abuse of connections and power, will be spotted and punished case by case," Liu said.

He called for officials to strengthen ideological education and hone their abilities in multiple posts, calling for an effective and simplified personnel management system that rules out the obsession with GDP figures.

Liu's comments came a week after the CPC Central Committee publicized a revised regulation on official selection that calls for both attention to moral integrity and professional competence, with priority given to the former.

Banning promotion of officials whose spouse and children have emigrated overseas, the regulation stipulated that people with poor reputation among the public, those graded as "incompetent" in annual assessments, as well as officials engaged in positions jockeying or vote canvassing, should likewise not be considered as candidates.

"Strict official management is the key for strict Party management, and that should first focus on leading officials in order that they come to know themselves and stand in awe of the law, their organizations and the people," Liu said at the two-day meeting.

Calling for transparent use of power starting in small matters and daily management, the senior leader urged meticulous implementation of a policy on officials reporting their personal matters to higher authorities and random checks on the information they submit.

He also ruled out appointment and promotion of officials beyond quota, staff earning salaries for nominal roles, and resumes with fabricated content.

According to Liu, officials with organizational departments, whose core function is to manage the Party, should set an example by remaining "politically sober," upholding impartiality and decency and setting strict standards for themselves.

Presiding over the meeting, Zhao Leji, head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, called for greater efforts to foster and promote fine officials while boosting the vigor for innovation in talents.