The expulsion of a senior official from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the launch of a formal criminal probe in his misdeeds gave a stark warning to CPC members to toe the Party line.
Ling Jihua was expelled from the Party and removed from public office for seriously violating the CPC's code of conduct and confidentiality regulations, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee announced Monday.
Following the Party's assessment, prosecutors arrested Ling and named him the subject of a criminal investigation into allegations of graft.
Ling is not the first to err, nor is he likely to be the last. Even so, his case should motivate each and every Party member to reflect on the consequences of transgression.
A leaf through the Party's anti-corruption history book shows that decadence is, more often than not, related to slack Party spirit, individualism and selfishness.
It is the responsibility of all CPC members to ensure that the public interest offsets personal desire, that right is distinguished from wrong, and to exercise their power morally, especially when faced with the temptations of modern society.
A member's spirit is the cornerstone of the Party's value system. Only through unceasing efforts can a communist resist temptations and be honest in their work and life.
Ultimately, it was the seductions of power, money or sex that led Ling and other tigers, the term used for corrupt senior-level officials, down the path of crime.
Ling's punishment, as well as the decision to transfer his case to the court, maintains the Party stance on corruption, and is supported by the public.
All Party members, especially leading officials, should learn from Ling's contraventions and be loyal to the communist ideal, the Party, the country's laws, and, moreover, retain their integrity.
The Party can only defeat corruption if the Party and the people are united.
Thus, it is the responsibility of each Party member to fulfill their obligations, and remain politically faithful while working for -- and with -- the people.
