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Officials banned from saying 'I don't know'

A recent regulation that bans officials of Pengshan county, Sichuan Province from putting their hands behind their back while talking to residents has netizens raising eyebrows online.

The regulation, proposed in late February, is designed to curb what residents perceive as condescending and aloof behavior long-associated with officialdom in China, as well as increase accountability among public servants.

No swearing or pointing fingers while talking with residents are among the 10 behavioral standards outlined in the provision.

The rules also stipulate that letting others carry one's bags or serve tea is also not allowed, while "I don't know" and "don't ask me" are unacceptable responses to questions from residents, according to a China National Radio on Saturday

Many Net users sarcastically pointed out the standards are merely a list of etiquette everyone is expected to avoid, such as littering from car windows, delaying payment of fees and smoking or picking one's teeth in public places.

"Chinese officials are like kindergarteners that need to be taught basic social norms," Fang Yan said on his Sina Weibo account.

Some pointed out the absurdity of having to pass a regulation to rein in unruly behavior among officials, while others praised that it will help bring them closer to residents.

Global Times