Kudos for electing workers as officials

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(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-13 08:56

On Nov 8, the city of Suining in Sichuan province made history by announcing that three returning migrant workers had been elected officials of the local government. The Suining government's move deserves the greatest praise, says an article in Qianjiang Evenng News. Excerpts:

The Suining city government in Sichuan province has elected three returning migrant workers as its officials. One of them will be the deputy director of Daying county investment promotion authority, and the other two, deputy township heads. The local authorities have made it clear, too, that the three will exercise real power instead of being just figureheads.

The bureaucracy needs more experienced and competent officials good at decision-making rather than "theorists" who only know how to talk. The Suining authorities have taken the right and long-overdue decision, for migrant workers not only understand the conditions of the local people, but can also see things in wider perspective because of their experience of working in big cities.

Moreover, compared to officials sitting in air-conditioned rooms throughout their duty hours, outstanding migrant workers who have firsthand experience of the trials and tribulations of life can serve the people better. Hence, local governments should try to co-opt as many such migrant workers in the administration as possible.The Suining government deserves a big pat on the back for breaking outdated rules to take a step in the right direction.

It is a common practice nowadays for government officials to be appointed behind closed doors. This separates civilians from civil servants and deprives them of their right to supervise.

The Suining government has set an example by going against tradition and enthused more people to take part in politics.

(China Daily 11/13/2009 page9)