OPINION> FROM THE CHINESE PRESS
A 55-second farce to clarify a scam
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-26 07:53

Wuhan officials in Hubei province held a press conference yesterday to clarify the housing "lot-drawing" scandal. But the conference lasted only 55 seconds, and the officials left without answering any question. As if the uproar against the scandal was not enough, the lightning press conference has now created an even bigger controversy, says an article in Chongqing Times. Excerpt:

A few days ago, the draw of lots in Wuhan, Hubei province, to choose the lucky winners in the economic housing scheme threw up six consecutive numbers. Arguably, the possibility of such a thing happening is one in a trillion.

The Wuhan Information Office, Municipal Supervision Bureau, Municipal Bureau of Land Resources and Housing Management and the Municipal Public Security Bureau held a joint press conference on the incident. But to everyone's surprise, the press conference ended in a flash - 55 seconds.

Investigation had revealed all six applications were fixed. But the public was eager to know the truth behind the scandal from the officials at the press conference. But the officials didn't give journalists the chance to ask even half a question.

The 55-second press conference shows how arrogant officials have become and has created a controversy greater than the scandal itself. The public could challenge the officials' credibility and question whether they are maintaining silence because some of them are involved in the scandal.

If the authorities want to win back the trust of the public, they have to investigate the case thoroughly and reveal the truth.

(China Daily 06/26/2009 page9)