Cultural Revolution a disaster, says Qiao
Top lawmaker Qiao Shi yesterday blamed the Cultural Revolution instigated by Chairman Mao Zedong for turning China into a lawless state.
Speaking at the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC), Mr Qiao said the 10-year turmoil destroyed the rule of law and led the country into confusion.
He told deputies to the national legislature that the rule of law must be implemented in China to guarantee the country's long-term stability and development.
'The Cultural Revolution destroyed the rule of law. The situation became lawless and the state ran into disorder,' said Mr Qiao, the NPC standing committee chairman.
His public criticism of the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution contrasted sharply with remarks made by premier Li Peng to former Red Guards in the revolutionary Yanan base last month.
Mr Li said the Cultural Revolution was not all disastrous and told the former Red Guards to look at the period with 'an overall and correct perspective'.
Mr Qiao said yesterday that it was important for the country to set the 'rule of law and development of a socialist legal system' as a guiding principle in the long-term development plan adopted by the NPC.
The lawmaker also stressed that the country should resolutely oppose any officials who used their personal commands and power to override the rule of law.
Cadres at all levels should never be the 'lords' who 'sit on the backs of the people', Mr Qiao said.
Those officials found to have infringed the interests of the people and violated legislation should be dealt with severely.
He also said that rule of law was a precondition for strengthening the party's leadership.
He asked all organisations and party members, especially officials, to abide by and protect the constitution.
'We must further strengthen efforts in legislation and law enforcement, to build up a complete legal framework for the establishment of a socialist market economic structure,' he said.
