Governor blasts at corrupt officials
THE Governor of Liaoning has attacked provincial departments for being inefficient, corrupt and narrow-minded.
Wen Shizhen told a provincial meeting the image of the entire administration would be tarnished by malpractice, although the problems were found in only a few departments.
He also warned Liaoning would be unable to catch up with the development of the prosperous Guangdong province and Shanghai if problems persisted.
His outspoken remarks were well received by the 1,000 conference participants, including major provincial party and government leaders, mayors, department directors and officials of lower ranks, said Xinhua (the New China News agency).
The Governor urged immediate measures to remedy the situation and improve the investment environment.
He said people who report and disclose corruption should be rewarded.
Government departments at all levels were also told to do their utmost to curb malpractice.
Mr Wen, 55, has been eager to revive the economy of Liaoning since his election in February.
He has vowed to turn the 1,000-odd state enterprises in the province around as their hugh losses have been eroding its finances.
His predecessor, Yue Qifeng, was fired last year for his failure to stem these losses.
