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Beware of 'barrier lakes'

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-24 07:33

If the Wenchuan earthquake brought the highly professional term "barrier lake" to public awareness in this country, Wang Yang, the Communist Party chief of Guangdong province, bestowed it a surprisingly apt political connotation that would inspire healthy discourse on good governance.

Addressing a recent training session for leading local officials, Wang urged his audience to learn to listen and be tolerant to public concerns, and warned of "barrier lakes" formed by suffocated dissents.

The overnight popularity of the analogy he had made shows an unspoken consensus on the need of due respect for public opinions, especially those not that pleasing to officials' ears.

Indeed, article 35 of our Constitution promises freedom of speech. And today in China few bother to think twice before speaking out what is on their minds. Also, we have some systems through which the average citizens can have their complaints heard.

But the tendency to disregard public opinions, especially those less-than-pleasant to their ears, is still strong among quite many bureaucrats. Some officials are addicted to such endorsements to decorate personal glories.

The truly valuable voices, which can be precious references for decision-making, however, are often ignored. Some indulge themselves in the illusion that all is well.

But just as Wang Yang has warned, such a feigned picture of peace cannot conceal the "barrier lake" of public discontent. And just like those that had formed during the Wenchuan tremor, such "barrier lakes" can prove devastating in the end.

Since the Weng'an riot in Guizhou province, we have witnessed similar incidents taking place in different areas. Though each had its peculiar causes, almost all had one thing in common - there was an accumulation of animosity over alleged official misconduct or neglect.

Wang's cautionary remark was a worthy one because it touched upon a topic that has rarely emerged in official rhetoric, but is crucially important for the Party's commitment to deliver good governance.

In order to honor such a commitment in their work, public office holders must get rid of the fear of dissenting opinions, and sincerely listen to and address public concerns.

Just like the only way to deal with the threats from the barrier lakes was to allow the accumulated water a way out, the only constructive approach to avoid damaging outcomes of public dissatisfaction is to prevent negative feelings from forming "barrier lakes".

Thanks to Wang Yang for reminding us of that.

(China Daily 07/24/2008 page8)