Passing the tests

Only the toughest grass withstands the strongest wind, and only the strongest character stands a severe test. This ancient Chinese saying may be used to describe how local officials showed their true mettle during the earthquake in Sichuan province.

Some actively organized rescue work immediately after the quake and had even no time to come to the rescue of their own family members, some did a very good job in keeping the local government and the Party organization functioning normally. But there are a few who demonstrated their selfishness and incompetence in those times of emergency.

The Sichuan provincial government and the Party committee had conducted a survey among local residents and villagers about how well their local leaders behaved themselves during the rescue and relief operations.