Unremitting, lawful effort against corruption

A commentary in the People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has called for a persistent, "high voltage" campaign against corruption to correct the Party's style and win people's support. Stressing that probity is the chief principle in self-discipline while law is a precondition for governing a country, the article, which will be released on Monday, says that firmly dealing with corruption showcases the power of the Party and is the common wish of all Party members and citizens. "Sentencing Bo Xilai in accordance with law fully reflects that nobody is exempt from Party discipline and national law, and whoever is involved must be thoroughly investigated and severely punished in accordance with law," the commentary says. Bo Xilai, former secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the CPC and a former member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Sunday for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power. The article notes that the anticorruption drive is still in a difficult state as "corruption is still rampant and the soil nurturing it still exists." It called for maintaining a "high voltage" crackdown on graft as well as severe and lawful punishment to straighten the Party's style and win public support. The article urged all Party officials to serve the people, be responsible to the people and voluntarily subject themselves to the people's supervision. "Always stay on high alert to resist corruption... and guard the bottom line when living one's life, handling things, wielding power and making friends," the commentary told Party officials.