If the government admits its mistakes in a straightforward way, it will only win more credibility among the people, said an article in Beijing Youth Daily. An excerpt follows:

The 6,800-plus taxi drivers in Yinchuan, capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in Northwest China, have gone back to work after the local government suspended two controversial regulations and the city's mayor made a televised apology.

It is a welcome result to see the government and taxi drivers finally reach an understanding.

People notice when a municipal government corrects its mistakes and takes necessary measures, it helps ease a tense situation and solve a problem.

When the municipal government decided to suspend the two regulations, it actually admits its mistakes to the public. And the mayor's apology might also be regarded as an act of admitting error.

However, many local officials never acknowledge such blame.

In the traditional mindset of some officials, the government is always right. Even if the public is not satisfied with the rules and regulations, in this mode of thinking, it is only because the public cannot tell the difference between good and bad, or right and wrong. Therefore, such officials find it unimaginable to acknowledge mistakes, especially to the public.

It is against common sense that no one makes mistakes.

As a matter of fact, governments formed by human beings certainly hold the possibility of doing wrong.

If a government denies the possibility of making a mistake, it will try to justify its actions with all means or even cover up old ones with new mistakes. Cover-ups generally only make things worse or cause disastrous results.

When the government acknowledges its wrong-doing, it can show people its honesty and that it is sticking to the facts and rules of law. As a result, people will see a more trustworthy government.

This way, the chance for the people to misunderstand their government is reduced and respect and trust for leaders enhanced.

(China Daily 08/10/2004 page6)