Ban lavish government functions, says poll
Source: Xinhua |
March 28, 2012, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AN online survey of more than 10,000 people indicated that more than half of respondents are in favor of outlawing lavish spending at official government receptions.
The results of the online poll conducted by the China Youth Daily were published yesterday, with 85.5 percent of respondents describing government receptions as "problematic."
Chinese government receptions are often expensive affairs, with officials spending large amounts of money to lavish their guests with high-end fare.
In a multiple-choice questionnaire to gauge opinions on regulating government receptions, 64.6 percent asked for public disclosure of detailed bills, and 61.3 percent said government agencies and officials found violating relevant laws should be held responsible.
About 57 percent agreed with criminalizing lavish spending at public receptions.
Internet users were also polled on reasons why excessive spending at receptions is difficult to rein in. Of those polled, 71.7 percent said government agencies at all levels find ways to dodge rules and regulations, 59 percent blamed lax enforcement of regulations and 52 percent pointed to weak punishments.
About 87 percent of respondents were in favor of enacting a public reception standard. Most of those surveyed demanded a greater say in the policy-making process regarding such standards, with 77 percent agreeing these should be drafted by the public.
The online poll follows Premier Wen Jiabao's call on Monday for a crackdown on corruption in the public sector.
"Corruption is the most important threat to the ruling party, and corruption may completely undermine the country's political foundation if not dealt with properly," he said.
Wen said public money cannot be used to buy cigarettes, high-end liquor or gifts, adding that government expenditure for receptions, vehicle purchases and overseas trips should be open to public scrutiny.
Wen also pledged to improve the transparency of government operations and create more conditions for the public to supervise the government.
On the Sina Weibo microblogging platform, news of Wen's call, posted by the operator, had been forwarded nearly 3,000 times by yesterday afternoon.
Several measures have been enacted to combat government waste in recent years, including one passed last year requiring ministries to disclose their expenditures on overseas trips, vehicle purchases and receptions.
The results of the online poll conducted by the China Youth Daily were published yesterday, with 85.5 percent of respondents describing government receptions as "problematic."
Chinese government receptions are often expensive affairs, with officials spending large amounts of money to lavish their guests with high-end fare.
In a multiple-choice questionnaire to gauge opinions on regulating government receptions, 64.6 percent asked for public disclosure of detailed bills, and 61.3 percent said government agencies and officials found violating relevant laws should be held responsible.
About 57 percent agreed with criminalizing lavish spending at public receptions.
Internet users were also polled on reasons why excessive spending at receptions is difficult to rein in. Of those polled, 71.7 percent said government agencies at all levels find ways to dodge rules and regulations, 59 percent blamed lax enforcement of regulations and 52 percent pointed to weak punishments.
About 87 percent of respondents were in favor of enacting a public reception standard. Most of those surveyed demanded a greater say in the policy-making process regarding such standards, with 77 percent agreeing these should be drafted by the public.
The online poll follows Premier Wen Jiabao's call on Monday for a crackdown on corruption in the public sector.
"Corruption is the most important threat to the ruling party, and corruption may completely undermine the country's political foundation if not dealt with properly," he said.
Wen said public money cannot be used to buy cigarettes, high-end liquor or gifts, adding that government expenditure for receptions, vehicle purchases and overseas trips should be open to public scrutiny.
Wen also pledged to improve the transparency of government operations and create more conditions for the public to supervise the government.
On the Sina Weibo microblogging platform, news of Wen's call, posted by the operator, had been forwarded nearly 3,000 times by yesterday afternoon.
Several measures have been enacted to combat government waste in recent years, including one passed last year requiring ministries to disclose their expenditures on overseas trips, vehicle purchases and receptions.
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