Government and Policy

Beijing discipline authority launches website

By Wang Huazhon (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-17 08:00

BEIJING - The discipline authority in the national capital has launched a website to make it simpler for the public to report corruption in the selection and appointment of Party and government officials.

The organization department of the Beijing municipal Party committee is the latest authority in China to launch its own website in a bid to raise public confidence in the selection of officials.

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According to figures from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, malpractice in the selection of officials, such as money for posts, is not uncommon and has led to reprimands or administrative punishments for about 2,100 officials in 2007.

The newly launched website, www.bj12380.gov.cn, says it "mainly accepts complaints against municipal leaderships or officials who have violated rules in electing or appointing officials".

Apart from serving as a complaints channel, the website also offers information about supervision tasks that have recently been carried out by the authority and those in the pipeline. It also offers relevant laws and regulations for visitors' reference.

The website also warns the public that fabricated and false charges could lead to legal punishment.

Complaints can be filed anonymously, but real names are preferred, the website says.

Whistleblowers can track the progress of their complaints and get feedback online.

Beijing residents have hailed the launch of the website, saying it is "more convenient and faster than letters", as well as "better than talking to unknown officials on the telephone".

"But it is the evidence you have to nail the corrupt that matters more than the channel you use to deliver it," said 27-year-old Yu Qian, a company secretary.

The launch of the website has also triggered demands for a similar platform tackling irregular practices in State-owned businesses.

"Selling and buying a post in State-owned companies is also rife. I hope our government is listening," an unnamed netizen posted on sina.com.