DNF Meimei is just such a corrupt official.

by dnfmeimei on 2009-12-09 00:23:25

Yesterday, the former head of the Political Department of the Ministry of Railways, He Hongda, "accepted the verdict without appeal." This high-ranking official implicated in the Beiya Group corruption case began serving his 14-year fixed-term imprisonment in Qincheng Prison. (December 8, Beijing Times) Regarding He Hongda's move, it makes people feel both expected and somewhat perplexed. As expected, he was subject to legal trial and criminal punishment, which he deserved. "Accepting the verdict without appeal" indicates that he recognizes his own offenses; only by accepting reform can he gain the understanding of the people and start anew.

What is puzzling is how He Hongda, who received bribes amounting to 1.9 million yuan and had assets worth over 3.9 million yuan with unclear sources, was sentenced to only 14 years in prison? How did an official who was corrupt while being promoted from the grassroots level rise to the provincial (vice-ministerial) level? Media reports say that with He Hongda's downfall, the Beiya Group corruption case has been completely dismantled. Such a corrupt official, with such enormous bribes taken, causing significant losses to the cause of the Party and the people, and having such a major impact on the Party and the country, can a mere 14-year sentence satisfy the public? Can He Hongda's "acceptance of the verdict without appeal" be seen as acknowledgment of guilt and submission to the law? Would He Hongda still be so "at ease" if he were given a heavier sentence?

The reason for He Hongda's "acceptance of the verdict without appeal" should be that the legal sentencing was appropriate, giving him a chance to start anew. Another reason is that He Hongda recognized his offenses, showing an act of compliance with the law.

Through the lens of He Hongda's corruption case, we see that when selecting cadres at the grassroots level, besides adhering to the requirements set by the central authorities and national standards for cultivating and selecting cadres, there should also be continuous tracking, supervision, and evaluation of these cadres to prevent officials from being promoted while being corrupt. He Hongda's promotion is a typical example of being promoted while being corrupt. The occurrence of such a corruption case is not only directly related to He Hongda himself but also raises questions about whether our supervision mechanisms are inadequate.

Therefore, the punishment of He Hongda serves as both an education for some of our cadres and a warning to the public. Allowing officials who are corrupt while being promoted to remain in the cadre ranks is the biggest "tumor," causing endless harm. Especially in cases of group corruption, it is even more alarming and anger-inducing. Group corruption cases are the "arch-criminals" and "chief culprits" that harm the country and its people. Without eradicating this corruption, how can the country carry out construction and promote development? How can we make life better for the masses? (Source: People's Daily Online - Opinion Channel)