From The Chinese Press

Dilemma of spokespersons

After Ministry of Railways' spokesman Wang Yongping was removed from office on Aug 16, some netizens sympathized with him instead of only criticizing his performance. The change in netizens' attitude is welcome, but Wang was an example of the problems government spokespersons could create, says an article in Yangtze Evening Post. Excerpts:

Wang's dismissal did have something to do with his performance, but it is understandable that some netizens have softened their attitude toward him. As former spokesman for the Ministry of Education said on his blog: "Who will be the next Wang?" Such a situation has been created because spokespersons seem to hide information from the public.