BEIJING (AFP) - The website of Chinas new anti-graft bureau crashed shortly after going online due to the huge volume of messages from the public complaining about rampant corruption, state media said Wednesday.
The website (yfj.mos.gov.cn) of the National Bureau of Corruption Prevention, which was set up to collect information on corrupt activities, was so popular it crashed on Tuesday, just one day after it was launched.
"The enthusiasm that greeted the launch of the website reflects the growing frustration felt by the general public towards corruption at government level," Xinhua news agency said.
The website had received more than 20 pages of messages as of Wednesday afternoon. Many were congratulatory, but nearly as many were from sceptical members of the public who questioned its work.
"Is there any point in setting up this bureau? Unchecked power will of course result in corruption," said one message.
"So long as the system doesnt change, any (anti-graft) effort is bound to be quite fruitless."
Another message said "this will have no effect at all... we even have to put a question mark next to your own moral standards." The message was signed, "I dont expect anything from you."
Despite the website urging people to use their real names, most used pseudonyms. Another entry was signed "Dont take revenge on me."
Government corruption has emerged as a major thorn in the side of the ruling Communist Party as Chinas economic liberalisation, coupled with a rigid communist hierarchy, afford party officials ample opportunities for graft.
President Hu Jintao said Tuesday the party would renew its efforts to intensify its fight against corruption, reported the China Daily.
The new bureau is not entrusted to investigate corruption, but only to analyse and collect information on corrupt activities, Xinhua said.
