The public has become concerned after seven government officials from different parts of the country died of unnatural causes within a month. (Photo : pinglun.youth.cn)
In the last of a series of new regulations targeting party and governmental excess and decadence, Chinese officials and party members have been called on to set an example to others by hosting funerals that are frugal and civilized.
The limits which were announced yesterday in a white-paper titled, “The Opinion on Party Cadres Taking the Lead in Funeral Reform” gave specific details on just how opulent funerals for deceased party members should be before they run afoul of anti-extravagance requirements.
The white-paper, issued by the State Council and the Party Central Committee, pointed out that contemporary funeral customs have changed from a simple and modest way to respect and honor the departed into yet another chance for officials to showcase their wealth, power and connections. The result has been an unhealthy spiral of one-upmanship and benchmarking that is harmful to society as illustrated in the case of a former party secretary who hosted a funeral for his mother that collected over 140,000 RMB (22,000 USD) in donations and included a 60 table banquet.
According to the restrictions, a party member may not host lavish, expensive funerals nor take advantage of funerals to ask for or receive money given by mourners as condolence. Moreover, funeral halls, where mourners come to pay their respects, are forbidden from being set up on the street, in residential communities or other public venues.
In a particularly telling suggestion, party members are encouraged to arrange to have their organs donated upon death and ensure that their remains are disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way available. Moreover, family members are expected to plant flowers and give eulogies in lieu of the traditional customs for honoring the deceased such as burning paper money and setting off fireworks.
The announcement also called on party members to be vigilant of their colleagues and report any violators to the relevant authorities.
