Disaster of rumors follows coverup attempt

The driver of Yu Yuanhui, the former Party chief of Nanning, capital of the Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, reportedly committed suicide days after Yu was removed from office on suspicion of severe disciplinary and law violations last month. The driver's death, however, was not revealed until Tuesday, when Caijing Magazine reported that his body had been cremated weeks ago. Comments:

By seeking to cover up the driver's death, the local authorities only gave rise to the worst speculation, thus quickening instead of curbing the spread of rumors. Given the fact that timely information disclosure could have reduced this "secondary disaster", the local police should have released the information in a timely manner.

Beijing News, June 17

Confronted with the ongoing anti-graft momentum in China, many corrupt officials who are too afraid to confess are likely to put an end to their lives. Such a choice may cause nothing but misery to their family, and therefore generate more speculation, even hatred, against the corrupt officials, as well as their employers.

jschina.com.cn, June 16

Undoubtedly, there are those who remain unknown behind the driver's death, because it is possible that he was forced to commit suicide by those who shared illegal interests with his boss. Besides, he was also likely to end his life fearing his own misconduct might be unveiled someday. It is thus important for all departments concerned to dig out the truth as soon as possible.

scol.com.cn, June 17