Commentary: CPC backs bold officials with passion for reform

It was Albert Einstein who said, "Anyone who never made a mistake, never tried anything new."

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has thrown its weight behind officials who meet challenges head on and take reasonable, honest risks to secure reform and innovation, regardless of mistakes they may make.

The CPC embedded this new leniency in policy at the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, last month. Focusing on strengthening the Party's disciplines, the key meeting also encouraged Party members to emerge from their comfort zones without fear. So long as their actions are rational, honest, and demonstrate strict adherence to the exemplary standards of behavior expected of CPC officials, they should have nothing to fear.

The CPC needs officials who have the guts to take on today's challenges and the confidence to seek new solutions to old problems.

Over-caution and idleness have no place in a Party with so much work still to do. When the CPC came to power, China was an agrarian backwater. Today, despite gloomy prospects for many developed countries, China remains a powerhouse of growth with an economy which is the envy of the world. But the mission is far from complete.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has been entirely open about the magnitude of the task it faces: the realization of socialist modernization and the great rejuvenation of the nation, typified by the two centenary goals set for 2021 and 2049.

China's success relies in the leadership of the CPC, and the CPC relies on the support of the people. Only through strict and transparent, internal governance can that support be guaranteed.

Many officials are now suffering a kind of administrative paralysis. Having lived and worked for years in an ambience of ostentation and idleness, many have no passion for new ideas. Many hesitate to innovate, or do anything at all, afraid of taking on challenges and fearful of making mistakes.

The anti-corruption campaign has had the specific intention of instilling fear in officials, fear of being corrupt, but has also dampened the enthusiasm of some for their work, worried that they may face punishment for mistakes.

As reformers have no experience and no reference points, mistakes will be made, especially by those with the greatest desire to bring about positive change. Those officials with an entrenched commitment to reform and innovation should be tolerated and encouraged. The intention to do good is vital; some mistakes, inevitable.

However, malpractice is malpractice and this new, more tolerant, approach leaves no room for intentional wrongdoing that goes against CPC decisions and regulations.

If the CPC is to continue to lead the march toward universal prosperity, then it must do so fearlessly. Endit