Some thoughts about Neil Heywood’s case

As was expected, Gu Kailai was spared the death penalty. Her accomplice Zhang Xiaojun was sentenced to only nine years of imprisonment. This demonstrates the authorities’ intention to trivialize the case, and to separate Gu from her husband Bo Xilai so as to minimize whatever political impacts. Before the passing of judgment, rumours were spreading like wild fire. Some claim Gu transferred US$8 billion overseas. Some claimed Bo planted eavesdropping device on central government officials, and was training military in Chongqing for ambitious purpose. There were so may rumours, creating an image of notorious and greediness for Bo’s family.

Trivializing matter as the best option

Unexpectedly, the case that the authorities brought to light is Gu and Heywood is an unrealized property case that had unresolved financial differences. There was no mention of the original money laundering case. This is a first step to isolate corruption charges against Bo. If Gu’s case involved money laundering, then questions will surely arise as to where the money originated and whereto is it going. This will directly impose question on Bo’s influence to accumulate riches and be involved in corruption practice. This will also then prolong the investigation of the case. More importantly, as a high ranking offer like Bo, if he is involved in channeling money out of China, this will inevitable lower the confidence of people in these top officials.

In order to mitigate political losses, the authorities labelled Gu’s case as one of an unresolved political conflict. This isolates all links to corruption and money laundering. This is crucial to trivializing the whole matter miraculously. It also explains why Gu was able to plead guilty quickly in court. At the same time, the court determined Heywoods initiated the threats, and provided the relevant evidence to support such determination. This provided justification for Gu to kill in order to protect her son.

Heywoods case is the most challenging and complex political problem for the fourth generation CCP leaders. If not handled properly, there would be no legal justification. The forum discussion would also not be pacified. As a result of Wang Lijun’s escaping to the US embassy, political pressures from US and UK were plentiful. However if a thorough investigation was launched, the CCP’s image would surely be tarnished. People’s emotions would also be severely rocked. Hence, trivializing matter is the obvious best option.

Gu’s case is determined and judgment passed. Next, would be Wang Lijun. Wang used to be a hero amongst the police circle. Today, he is labelled a betrayal of the nation. What is worth pondering: Wang knew all along about Gu’s plan to kill. After Gu’s killing, Wang even privately made private recordings. While handling the scene of Heywood’s death, he was directing some close aides to create an impression that Heywoods committed suicide. On the other hand, he also instigated his aides to obtain Heywood’s blood as evidence for future allegations against Gu for murdering.

If Wang was truly righteous, he would have reported the incident when he first got hold of evidence. Why did he wait for more than two months before escaping to US embassy? What caused Wang to eventually betray his master to protect himself? Gu accused Wang in court that Wang was malicious. What does this mean? These are keys to unveiling the truth behind Chongqing’s sudden political changes.

Wong Teck Yenn