Premier Wen Jiabao: I will work as an old burdened horse in my last year in office

Premier Wen Jiabao meets both Chinese and foreign reporters after the closing ceremony of the annual session of the National People's Congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 14, 2012.

Q: This is your last year in office, how would you evaluate your work performance?

A:I have served as premier for nine years, which are by no means easy or ordinary. I often feel there is more work left to do and I have many regrets. I hope people will forget me and all the concrete things I have ever done. Due to my incompetent capability, institutional and other restraints, there are many shortcomings in my work. I will work as a burdened old horse in my last year in office to the last day and make up for my regrets with new achievements to seek the understanding and forgiveness from the Chinese people.

An old Chinese saying goes officials should serve as loyal as they can conscientiously when they are in office and engage in modest self-reflection when their terms end. I will live by this teaching and pass hope to my successors who I am confident will do a better job than me.

In line with the conviction that I will do whatever it takes to serve my country even at the cost of my own life, regardless of fortune or misfortune to myself, I have served my country for 45 years. I have dedicated all my passion, energy and time to my country and my people, and never sought personal gains. I dare to face the people and the history.