Charges against ex-rail minister should serve as lesson

Charges filed in a Beijing court against former minister of railways Liu Zhijun on Wednesday should serve as a lesson for the government's anti-corruption cause, according to an article in Beijing News.

Here are excerpts:

It's been two years since Liu's dismissal, and during this time there has been a catastrophic high-speed rail collision and the ministry has been dismantled. Liu was responsible for the accident and his case should reflect the need for further reform of the railway system.

Before court proceedings begin, widespread rumors have emerged, accusing Liu of being corrupt, of taking bribes, and embezzling public funds. Now the rumors can stop as Liu is going to face the court.

Few people believed Liu was capable in his post, but it's too early to judge him objectively.

So after he is brought before the court, both the public and government departments should reflect seriously on why public power was abused and why the supervisory mechanism failed.

Sufficient lessons should be learned from Liu's case. It's also a warning for the government to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and implement the rule of law more seriously.