Sign of cleaner times

In a country where being a public servant has long been viewed as having an "iron rice bowl" along with tempting benefits and the possibility of netting gray income, the resignation of any civil servant, especially those with a high administrative rank, always prompts speculation as to the motive.

Thus, it was no surprise the official confirmation of Mei Yonghong's resignation as mayor of Jining, Shandong province, on Sunday provoked widespread discussion, as officials with such a high administrative title are believed to possess advantages beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Such public attention was inevitable as Mei is the second senior-level official to resign in the province. In early June, Zhang Yuhua, deputy major of Heze, resigned to join a company.