A senior Chinese official on Tuesday called for the thorough investigation of corruption cases and improving the work of the Party and government officials.

Local governments must take stronger measures to solve the problems which concern the public most, said Wu Guanzheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Unfair treatment of farmers, production of fake drugs as well as major production accidents hurt the interests of the people. Gambling still existed in some places. These problems had to be dealt with efficiently, said Wu at a meeting in Beijing.

Local Party elections and the reform of the salary system of public servants must be strictly regulated and supervised to eliminate the possibility for corruption, said Wu, who is also the Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC.

He also urged government departments to unite in fighting corruption, noting that officials who dragged out cases would be punished.

Meanwhile, the commission for discipline inspection must fulfil its commitments and assist Party committees to improve the work of the Party and government officials, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2006)