It is important to disclose the punishment that officials get

Former president of Renmin University of China Ji Baocheng. [Photo/IC]

It was recently reported that Ji Baocheng, former president of Renmin University of China and a vice ministerial-level official, has already received due punishments in private at the end of last year. Details of his punishments are yet to be confirmed, as none of the parties concerned has come forward to make a statement. Comments:

If Ji has been punished, the official decision of his punishments should be made public according to China's Regulations on the Disclosure of Government Information. The president of a public university is also a public official of great importance and social influence, thus disclosure of Ji's affairs is in the interest of not only himself, but also the public's right to know.

Mei Zhe, a guest commentator with Beijing News, Apr 1

For governments at all levels, instant disclosure of punished officials' information is neither a choice nor an unnecessary task they can muddle through. Relevant departments and individuals who seek to play hide-and-seek in regards to governmental information disclosure, shall be held accountable. Their supervisors, on the other hand, cannot easily get away with their misconducts, and will face criminal liability if they constitute a crime.

Xie Qingfu, a guest commentator with Southern Metropolis Daily, May 5, 2014

Although the country's Punishment Ordinance for Civil Servants Working in Administrative Organs requires no details of a punished public servant in particular, the disclosure of such information does not go against the Ordinance at all.

Gao Mingyong, a guest commentator with Beijing News, June 10, 2014