Two SOE executives expelled from Party

Two top executives of State-owned enterprises in Hong Kong were expelled from the Party on Friday for allegedly violating laws and discipline.

Song Lin, former chairman and Party chief of China Resources, seriously disobeyed discipline, according to an announcement from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China.

The commission also expelled Wang Shuaiting, the former vice-chairman of China Travel Services Hong Kong Limited.

The announcement said that Song seriously breached the Party's requirement of self-discipline.

The commission said that Song used public funds lavishly, spending them to play golf and for his private use.

Meanwhile, Song, who was taken for investigation in April 2014, violated rules by holding concurrent posts and receiving payments, embezzling money and committing adultery, the CCDI said.

He had also allegedly disobeyed laws, such as using his position to accept bribes, the commission said. These allegations have now been submitted to the judiciary.

Wang seriously violated discipline when he worked for China Resources from 1994 to 2001, including occupying additional houses and obtaining extra pay in his wife's name, according to the commission.

Wang, who was put under investigation last year, also allegedly provided money for others to invest and accepted bribes, it said, adding that these allegations had been handed to judicial departments for review.

Upon approval by the State Council, Wang will be sacked from his public posts and his illegal gains will be seized.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate confirmed on Friday that it had filed a case against Wang.

"Corruption cases and those for suspicion of graft in State-owned enterprises and government departments should be treated equally," said Zhou Shuzhen, a political science professor at Renmin University of China.

She added that leaders in SOEs not only have power, but also have access to resources.

She said that SOEs affect every aspect of people's lives. In Hong Kong, because of its special geographic location and business practices, the SOEs play a more important role, she said.

Contact the writer at caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/12/2015 page4)