China Voice: Anti-corruption drive not to blame for officials' inactivity

As China's anti-graft campaign deepens, some have worried that it may knock officials' morale and lead to a slackening in their work.

It should be admitted that sloth does exist among some officials, and the phenomenon seems to loom amid the country's fight against corruption and extravagance.

Such problems may have resulted in delays in implementing important policies and reforms, and they have also harmed the image of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government, hindering economic and social development.

However, it is also very obvious that intolerance to corruption should not be blamed for the situation.

For one thing, the reluctance of some officials to work diligently and serve the people now that their "perks" have been taken away reveals their poor awareness of the CPC spirit and responsibilities, and that is exactly what the anti-graft campaign is targeting.

For another, such problems may have long existed but have just come to light with intensified supervision and serious investigation.

Like competition regulations that only target violators without upsetting the free market, the corruption crackdown hammers only wayward officials without prejudice to those who are competent and willing to work for the public.

Instead of undermining officials' enthusiasm, the fight against corruption, by weeding out malfeasance in officialdom, will help create an environment that encourages honest, hard work.

The country's leaders have also noticed the problem and are paying close attention to it.

At a seminar for county-level CPC chiefs in January, President Xi Jinping stressed that officials should be responsible and committed in their work.

He said officials should be courageous in the face of challenges and should actively solve problematic issues rather than skirting around them.

Also, during a meeting on clean governance this week, Premier Li Keqiang urged officials to act on what they say and avoid empty talk.

"Those who are lazy with administrative duties and don't make the slightest contribution to governance will be harshly punished while those who practice diligent government will be given a stage," he said.

Among the campaign to clean up what the CPC labels "undesirable work styles", huge numbers of workers have been named and shamed for idleness after investigation.

To better address the problem, the administrative system needs further reforms, including to officials' performance evaluations and promotions. Endi