Maverick official's blogs give life to 'zombie' accounts

The reason behind the lethargic involvement can probably be attributed to the unwritten rules that dictate the bureaucratic discourse. Researchers have long found that a combination of ancient Chinese political tradition and contemporary reality have motivated office-holders to take cues from the above and avoid being different or controversial while making their positions known.

They're further deterred from speaking out of their own volition by the fact that social media have already become a formidable watchdog in Chinese political and social life. Some have lost their jobs after tweets reporting their faux pas exploded onto the national scene and led to investigations by traditional media.

But Chen is no such "zombie" blogger. He claims he has been updating his micro blogs since launching them four years ago, all by himself, not his assistants. Amid the public uproar, he has apologized for the "inappropriateness" of his remark and welcomed any probe into his personal and family's assets, which touched on another sensitive issue in Chinese politics. This appeases people who resent scripted and detached approaches of government communication.

Sympathizers also believe outspoken mavericks like Chen are worth encouraging because they have provided a rare glimpse into the psyche of the top brass, and have brought a plurality of ideas and arguments into the blogosphere that is currently dominated by the people they govern.

Some challenge "zombies" to resurrect and follow Chen's lead, with a quote from Voltaire: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." The question is how many have guts like Chen to take the offer.

The writer is editor-at-large of China Daily. dr.baiping@gmail.com