Beware of damage from nepotism

Whether it is the Old Boys network in Japan, Bhai-Bhatijabaad in India, or guanxi in China, nepotism has been writ large in Asian societies.

The investigation into Zhou Yongkang's former aides and proteges, including his subordinates in Sichuan province and energy and security bodies, and a lot of his family members including his brothers Zhou Yuanqing and Zhou Yuanxing, his second wife Jia Xiaoye and his son Zhou Bin, makes the probe of Zhou the most sensational case in China since the "Gang of Four" trials in the early 1980s. People around Zhou are suspected of having made billions of yuan brokering deals including those for billionaire mafia don, Liu Han, who has already been sentenced for organized crimes and murder.

Like most Asian societies, Chinese prefer nepotism when forming their trusted circle. It is usual for senior officials to find positions for friends and family members. Inmost feudal traditions, family obligations take precedence over civil duties. Though most people would condemn nepotism many officials who disregard family interests and adhere strictly to official rules are accused of meiyou renqing wei (lacking human feelings).