Corruption remains a problem

Official receptions, cars and visits that are paid for with public funds are known as sangong in Chinese. But civil servants' pets have now been added to these three expenses. The authorities should take more measures to solve the problem, says an article of People's Daily. Excerpts:

The scandals of public-funded "canine consumers" have been widely circulated on the Internet.

A dog was seen sitting beside the driver in an official car of the local court in Sichuan. An official's dog attended a banquet for local officials in Hubei. The official ordered two entrees for his dog before the banquet started. The dinner was paid for with public funds.

The three expenses are out of control in some places due to lax supervision and ineffective punishments. It's a waste of taxpayers' money.

Drinking expensive alcohol and enjoying luxurious foods and services have become acceptable and popular practices with some officials.

The central government has already made great efforts to deal with corruption and has punished a number of officials at various levels according to the law. But corruption still seems rife in some places and it damages the government's image and credibility. The authorities must take more measures to fight corruption.

(China Daily 06/26/2012 page9)