Mou Xinsheng, deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), won public recognition for his handling of the case of China's most-wanted fugitive Lai Changxing, who was repatriated to China from Canada on July 23, 2011. But he has also won accolades for his tendency to speak candidly during public discourse.

Mou Xinsheng

Mou was formerly the director-general of the General Administration of Customs, and he took up the post of vice chairman of the NPC Financial and Economic Commission in March 2008. Although his position has changed, he has still kept true to his own philosophy.

When dealing with issues, fairness and impartiality are necessary, Mou said. Creating a positive social influence, he said, helps to educate others.

"The current system of the NPC is good. Except for the CPC members, there are a lot of deputies without any political affiliation. They are all professionals and scholars in their fields. No matter how sharp their suggestions are, they share the same aim: to better serve the country and its people," Mou stated.

In group discussions at NPC sessions in recent years, Mou often expressed his opinions in a sharp tone but supported with evidence and facts. Some leaders encouraged him to share his views with others, because many of his ideas were rational and had been adopted by related departments. Some of his comments have been quoted in State Council documents.

"Some people worry that I am too straightforward and some of my words may offend others. But sometimes ‘making leaders sweat' can be a good thing," Mou said.

Mou's style has received support from top officials. He recalled that once after a NPC session, he had a chance to shake hands with Wu Bangguo, the chairman of the Standing Committee of NPC. Wu told him that what Mou said in his speech was right. Only if someone tells the truth can the administrative function of the NPC work better. Mou was greatly touched by Wu's encouragement.

Mou recalled Lai Changxing's case as his proudest achievement to date. "I handled such a big case and had quite a few people arrested, but I also made many friends. Even now, wherever I visit, people are all very kind to me." But Mou maintained that officials' attitudes were equally as important as their achievements.

"What I think is very simple. It doesn't matter how high your position is. How you behave is most important. I really want to do something for the common people," Mou said.

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