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Zhou Yongkang: Keep a Clear Mind on Opinions that Attack Our Legal System

[Editor’s Note: Zhou Yongkang is a member of the Politburo standing committee and head of CCP’s Committee on Political and Legislative Affairs. The following is a translation of excerpts from his speech as published in the Legal Daily newspaper. In this speech, Zhou mentioned that “From time to time, some people, influenced by the wrong Western political and legal views, have published opinions not complying with the Marxist legal theory, and even slandered and attacked our rule of law and legal system. Comrades on the front line of political, legal, and propaganda affairs ought to keep a clear mind and should not lose their political direction.” He also mentioned that “all levels of political, judiciary, and news media authorities ought to adhere to the principle that the party controls the propaganda. Conscientiously strengthen the Party’s leadership on political, legal, and propaganda work; incorporate political propaganda into the overall management of political and legal work, and into the process of handling cases and incidents.” [1]

“Legal Daily is the official newspaper of the Committee of Political and Legislative Affairs. Over the past 30 years, Legal Daily, as the mouthpiece of the Party on the political and legal front-line, and as the major position for publicity about developing the Party and government’s democratic and legal governance, has always maintained a correct direction in guiding public opinion, and fulfilling its role as the main channel and ideological front …”

“… At present, many countries in the world are studying China’s development path, about which we should feel proud. In the meantime, with the profound transformation of the economic system, the changes in social structure of various interest groups, the adjustments in the pattern of interests, and the revolution in ideologies and concepts, exchanges and confrontations of various ideologies and cultures have become more vibrant. From time to time, some people, influenced by the wrong Western political and legal views, have published opinions not complying with the Marxist legal theory, and even slandered and attacked our rule of law and legal system. Comrades on the front line of political, legal, and propaganda affairs ought to keep a clear mind and should not lose their political direction. Moreover, we have to take note that with the rapid advancement of our democratic and rule of law process, people’s awareness of the rule of law and protecting their own interests has grown. As more and more conflicts and disputes have come to the attention of the political and legal authorities in the form of legal cases, the public’s expectation of protecting their self interest and realizing social justice through the political and legal channels has continually improved. The voice for the right to know, to participate, express, and to monitor has become stronger and stronger. As the Internet technologies develop rapidly, the trend of popular use of the Internet as a media is becoming prominent. This provides new opportunities and requirements for political and legal work. One can say that under the new situation, political propaganda has become an important component of law enforcement’s handling of a case and preventing an emergency event, as well as an important component of the political and legal authorities’ public relations work. We must pay close attention to further strengthening it.”

“First, adhere to the right direction. This is the soul of media work. General Secretary Hu Jintao pointed out explicitly, “A correctly guided public opinion benefits the Party, the nation, and the people; a misguided one harms the Party, the nation, and the people.” Political propaganda work carries distinguished political, legal, and social characteristics. Adhering to the right direction in guiding public opinion is the top task of political propaganda work. It must always serve the people, socialism, the Party and the government …”

“Second, strengthen the ability to disseminate information. The power and strength of dissemination determines the power of influence. Do political propaganda work well under the new situation. Adhere to the good traditions that have repeatedly been proven right in long-term practices. At the same time, with the spirit of reform and innovation, study the new situations, set up new concepts, and create new methodologies to solve new problems. Coordinate all resources to build and utilize the traditional media as well as new media. Construct a highly effective dissemination system that has complementary functions, wide coverage, and guides people correctly.”

“Third, consciously accept supervision from public opinion. … All levels of political and legal authorities ought to change their notions so as to fully understand the important role that the media play in political and legal work. Overcome the wrong notions of ‘fearing,’ ‘resisting,’ and ‘preventing’ the media. Truly regard the media as the assistant to our work and actively support media work. … In an open and information society, it is impossible to avoid or reject  supervision from the media. Try your best to provide convenience for media reporting, and allow the media to timely obtain authoritative information to understanding the real situation. We must pay close attention to and investigate diligently the issues that the media brings up. Attach great importance and conduct careful verification of the problems that the media exposes. …In the meantime, the political and legal authorities should strengthen their cooperation, establish and perfect a press release system, standardize the procedures and requirements for publishing news and accepting interviews, strictly obey the discipline of news propaganda, and enhance the effect of propaganda. “

“Fourth, improve the level of guiding public opinion. … In the process of supervision by public opinion, the news media need to pay attention to authenticity and accuracy, and grasp the direction of public opinion guidance. Do not sensationalize hot spot issues, and prevent the chain reaction effect. At present, improve the joint conferencing system of political propaganda work, enhance the public opinion monitoring analysis and the emergency handling mechanism, and constantly improve the level of guiding public opinion. On emergent events, while properly conducting on-the-spot handling, establish and enhance the press release mechanism, be the first to publicize authoritative information, and do well in guiding public opinion.”

“Fifth, strengthen the leadership of the Party. All levels of political, judiciary, and news media authorities ought to adhere to the principle that the party controls the propaganda.  Conscientiously strengthen the Party’s leadership of political, legal, and propaganda work; incorporate political propaganda into the overall management of political and legal work, and into the process of handling cases and incidents. … The large number of political propagandists must strive to be the best, firmly establish the Marxist viewpoint of the news, enhance awareness of China’s special conditions and awareness of the people, strengthen ideological and moral cultivation, and scrupulously follow professional ethics. Be a political propagandist with social responsibilities instead of one who would lose his political position in favor of pursuing the and increased volume in circulation, viewership, popularity among the audience, or number of web page views.”

Endnotes:
[1] Source: Xinhua, September 20, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-09/20/c_12591498.htm