OPINION> Commentary
Protect people who report graft
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-05 07:50

Most people keep away from reporting corrupt deeds due to the lack of a mature protection system for the whistle blowers, says an article on the website www.rednet.cn. The following is an excerpt:

A latest online survey showed that three out of four netizens would choose not to report corrupt deeds even if they have already got concrete clues about corrupt actions.

The tendency revealed by its results offers us some scope for deep thoughts. There are surely more people who wouldn't report corrupt deeds than those who would do so.

In addition, it's common for some people in today's society to show indifference to matters that have nothing to do with them.

Also, the whole society has not yet formed a healthy atmosphere for reporting corrupt deeds due to the lack of a protection system for whistle blowers. Those who report corrupt deeds easily face the risk of being retaliated by the corrupt.

Many corrupt deeds reported by informers have not been taken seriously. This often leaves informers dissatisfied with the investigation results and they lose confidence and courage to report again.

The government should study how to clear the channel for the masses to report corrupt deeds and encourage more people to join in the crackdown on corruption. Without an efficient reporting system, the crackdown on corruption may not yield fruits.

(China Daily 02/05/2009 page4)