Top anti-corruption official stresses frugality

BEIJING - A top anti-corruption official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has vowed severe penalties for lavish banquets and tours fueled by public funds.

The vow was made in a work report delivered by Wang Qishan, secretary of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), on Jan 21 at a CCDI plenary meeting.

Its full text was issued Monday by the Xinhua News Agency.

Wang has called for strictly regulating officials' overseas trips, especially those conducted in the name of attending meetings, carrying out studies, receiving training and conducting inspections.

"Sightseeing tours fueled by public funds should be absolutely banned," Wang said, adding that CPC members should be frugal and shun extravagance and waste.

Regulations on clean governance should be strictly implemented and attempts to abuse power for personal gain should be rectified, said Wang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

"Officials at multiple levels, especially senior officials, should be strict with themselves and set a good example for others. They should also intensify restrictions for their relatives and staff, who must not have privileges," Wang said.

Some CPC members have embraced formalism, bureaucratism and extravagance, Wang noted.

"Maintaining political discipline should be a priority for all levels of disciplinarians," he said, vowing to seriously punish those who have violated political discipline.

"Opinions that run against the decisions of the CPC Central Committee should be prohibited," he said.

Professional activity conducted by senior officials who have left or retired from their posts should be regulated, Wang said, adding that the management and supervision of government workers whose spouses and children have moved overseas should be strengthened.

The CCDI will continue to implement a mechanism requiring officials to report their personal affairs, as well as conduct checks to verify important information.

The CPC will continue to put pressure on corruption, he said, ordering the timely handling of whistleblowers' reports.

Wang also vowed to intensify efforts to prevent corrupt officials from escaping the country, as well as recover stolen money or goods.

He stressed anti-corruption legislation and improving laws and regulations concerning the promotion of integrity and the reduction of corruption.