Beijing efficiency drive targets game of mah-jong

Beijing has told public officials not to spend too much time playing the ancient game of mah-jong when they are meant to be engaging in Communist party activities such as brushing up on their ideology or reviewing party discipline.

The move is the latest in a series of austerity measures implemented by President Xi Jinping to tackle corruption and improve efficiency in government.

According to a commentary on Tuesday in People's Daily, the Communist party mouthpiece, "the phenomenon of Communist officials organising retreats to rural areas to have fun, play mah-jong and poker . . . must resolutely stop".

Mr Xi's austerity campaign has led to a crackdown on everything from symbols of modern luxury, such as five star hotels and super-premium liquors, to traditional cultural forms such as Peking opera that have also been condemned as extravagant.

Mah-jong is widely popular across Asia and has a following even in western countries. It is a popular pastime for elderly Chinese who can be seen playing the game in public parks throughout the country.

But the Communist party seems to be aiming its criticism particularly at government officials who go on outings to rural areas where they mainly enjoy themselves, rather than work.

The article called for an end to government staff "spending public money to visit historical sites in the name of 'study' and then simply going to any old fun place", where they, presumably, indulge in the centuries old game of skill and strategy.

Mah-jong is the latest in a long and growing list of pastimes targeted by Beijing's abstemiousness campaign. Earlier this week, Beijing also said it was banning private clubs in historical buildings, parks and other public facilities because they are getting in the way of the fight against corruption.

Private clubs have been a particular target of the battle against corruption because they have a reputation in China as spots where illicit sex takes place or shady deals are struck.

"Private clubs set up in historical buildings and parks have damaged public interests, fanned corruption and triggered strong discontent among society," the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing a Communist party statement.

High-end restaurants, gyms, spas and hotels are also banned from opening in historical buildings or parks, the report added.

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Beijing also recently forbade senior government or state-owned-enterprise officials from accepting scholarships to do executive MBAs and ordered those already mid-course to pull out.

Sales of items from elaborate mooncakes to seasonal hairy crabs have also been hit hard by an atmosphere where officials fear being seen as feasting off public money. Some airlines have abolished first class and hotels have asked to be downgraded from five stars, in an attempt to fit in with the new atmosphere.

Additional reporting by Zhang Yan

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