The official investigation of Zhou Yongkang

Reports of Zhou Yongkang being officially investigated is widespread. Most reports focused on the point that this is the highest-grade official being officially investigated since Gang of Four era. Some reports also pointed out that the word "comrade" was visibly missing when Zhou was mentioned. Some reports also stated that this was the result of consensus amongst the current leaders and retired leaders.

All these put together, it seems to suggest that Zhou's purge has received the blessings of former leaders like Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao.

However, it was commonly reported that under the theory of factionalism, Zhou was the protégé of Jiang. The fact that Zhou was able to reach the standing committee position was also surely as a result of abundance blessings from Jiang, then Hu. Would they have completely no knowledge of Zhou's doing?

Should Zhou truly be vindicated, would he be willing to accept all blames and draw a clear line from his former benefactors? As Xi constantly sends the message that he will clamp down on both small flies and big tigers, would the senior retired leaders be fearful that after Zhou, who will be next?

China politics is getting more exciting as Xi has taken a path that no one expected at all before his ascension to the throne. Hence, everything could become a surprise. Xi might go beyond Zhou to hit on Zhou's previous masters, since most of these masters would have no more control in the administration. Alternatively, these could all be staged to demonstrate the determination of the Xi administration to be clean and transparent. If the latter is true, then more retired senior standing committee would live their remaining days in fear.

Opinion by Wong Teck Yenn

Report stated that Wang Qishan proposed demolishing “standing committee never to be criminalized” policy

In the current round of anti corruption actions, Xi Jinping and Wang Qishan targeted hundreds of cadres of deputy governors and higher ranks. With the major actions taking place, everyone in the officialdom are in danger. No one has the heart to focus on work.

It was revealed, “Wang’s anti corruption actions are implemented nationwide by the central disciplinary committee. Most local police and disciplinary committee are not even aware of the whereabouts of those arrested. In Sichuan, more than a hundred officials and businessmen were arrested and their whereabouts are unknown. Their family members are also not notified. There seems to be no legal procedures. This was more extreme than Bo Xilai’s anti-black acts. In Guangdong, a few hundred middle-ranked cadres were arrested.”

According to a report, it was Wang who proposed the cancellation of the age-old policy of “standing committee to never be criminalized”. This was approved by the current standing committee.

The report commented, “During Mao’s days of anti-rightist, there were some markers in implementing investigations. Today, anti corruption takes place anywhere desired.”

Here is a look at the definition of corruption:

Suspects associated with the following conditions will be investigated:

1.       To receive bribery of more than 5000 yuan

2.       To receive bribery of less than 5000 yuan, but (1) compromised society interest as a result of the act; or (2) make things difficult for investigating body; or (3) acquire properties by force.

“If the above is strictly implemented, which official can escape? Who is not fearful?” An insider commented. “Directors and above find it difficult to travel these days. Those who have children studying overseas, they have instructed their children to not return to China.”

Researched by: Wong Teck Yenn