Time for government officials to behave themselves, or else

Recently, astonishing remarks made by some local officials have been widely circulated among the public and have since come under attack. During a personal dispute with an ordinary citizen, a traffic police officer screamed,“F-- you. Do you know who I am?” In another incident, a government official asked a reporter who raised challenging questions, “Are you speaking for the Party or for the common people?”

Such words and behavior have aroused people’s anger and hostility. But some officials are defending themselves by saying it is their right to speak freely.

Indeed, as a citizen, government officials enjoy all rights, which are protected by our Constitution and laws. Freedom of speech is definitely one of them. To encourage frank and free discussion, our country even has a law stipulating that NPC members be exempted for anything they say during the meetings.

However, this does not mean public officials can say anything they’d like. Any kind of free speech has its bottom line to guarantee the basic values and normal order of society.

Compared with ordinary citizens, government officials should accept more restrictions over their freedom of speech. They represent the people and whenever they speak, it must be assumed they are doing so from a position of authority. It is common sense that their rights should be restricted under some circumstances.

Just as public officers cannot do business and have to report their personal property, what officials say must be restricted by law, by their identities and by disciplines within the Party and the departments where they work.

Some government officials, who don’t fully understand their unique identity and the responsibility that comes with it, feel superior to common people and care nothing when they speak. They enjoy freedom of speech but they also shoulder responsibilities. To show they really care for others’ rights, these officials must learn to how to behave themselves.

(People’s Daily)

Explore the World, Understand China!
Please log on www.gloaltimes.cn