Anti-corruption feature film: Cui Maohu, the vice minister who fell from power, playing cards in a guesthouse and making it common knowledge in the city, does not reflect and even wants to find a new place.

The improper practices are the incubator of corruption, and corruption often results from the transformation of the “four styles” from quantitative changes to qualitative changes.

On January 6th, the second episode of the TV documentary “Combating Corruption for the People”, “Examining and Combating Both Corruption and Improper Conduct”, disclosed that the investigation of Cui Maohu, former Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department and former Director of the State Religious Affairs Administration, began with reports about his acceptance of dining invitations and travel arrangements from entrepreneurs. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervisory Committee attached great importance to this matter, adhering to a deep investigation from improper conduct to corruption, and discovering significant financial transactions between him and these entrepreneurs.

Cui Maohu had served as the Secretary of Lijiang City Party Committee, Deputy Governor of Yunnan Province, and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee. The documentary highlighted that his violations of discipline and law became evident after he became the Secretary of Lijiang City Party Committee. This was his first time as the local chief “number one leader”, and he quickly felt the difference from his past.

Cui Maohu had a strong passion for playing cards and often sought out opportunities to play without any scruples, using the excuse that he did not gamble. A guesthouse in Lijiang became a fixed gathering spot for him playing cards. Some business owners who wanted to get close to him would intentionally create “coincidences” to enhance their relationships on the card table. On the surface, they were just card companions, but behind closed doors, each had their own agenda.

Involved businessman Nie Tianyu said, “I knew he was often there, so I frequently appeared at the guesthouse, playing cards with him. If I could become close to him, it would be a unique opportunity for me to seek help or support.”

The news that the secretary of the municipal party committee frequently played cards at a guesthouse became an open secret in Lijiang, causing very negative impacts.

Involved businessman Lu Konglian recalled that he talked to a taxi driver about Cui Maohu’s reputation in Lijiang. The taxi driver spoke derogatorily about him, saying that he did not do any real work but played cards all day.

Lu Konglian went to the guesthouse and immediately relayed what he heard to Cui Maohu. He expressed his concerns about the negative impression it was creating and asked Cui Maohu’s response. Cui Maohu acknowledged it was a serious issue and suggested they find a more private place to meet. Despite being aware of the seriousness of the situation, Cui Maohu did not reflect on his behavior or make any efforts to correct it. Instead, he sought ways to further conceal his behavior and shifted into underground activities. Lu Konglian immediately took advantage of this opportunity and rented a villa in Lijiang with private services transforming it into a private club specifically for Cui Maohu’s pleasure.

According to the documentary, through playing cards and becoming closer to Cui Maohu, entrepreneurs gradually discovered his preferences and provided personalized services accordingly. They catered to his favorite food preferences by arranging delicious meals, provided cigarettes as requested, and arranged luxurious weekend getaways as per his request. The luxury suites at a hotel in Shangri-La City were often used for their weekend escapes together with all expenses covered by the entrepreneurs.

Wu Xiaoping from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervisory Committee pointed out that after taking up his position in Lijiang, Cui Maohu’s attitude shifted towards a pursuit of luxury and indulgence in entertainment and became disregarding of the spirit of the Central Eight Rules on official conduct.

When Cui Maohu was appointed as Deputy Governor of Yunnan Province in 2021, Lu Konglian and Nie Tianyu followed him to Kunming, continuing to provide their services. Lu Konglian rented another villa on the edge of Chi Lake as a private gathering spot for Cui Maohu’s activities in Kunming.

According to the documentary, these entrepreneurs were willing to provide services diligently because they could obtain what they wanted from Cui Maohu’s power and influence. Cui Maohu used his authority and influence to help them win numerous projects, and Nie Tianyu even interfered with personnel appointments and affairs.

Leader who indulged in extravagant entertainment tend to have a floating work style with superficialities in their work performance. Cui Maohu is a prime example of this phenomenon. According to staff from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervisory Committee, Cui Maohu was particularly skilled at speaking about work in long speeches that seemed like lectures when he spoke at meetings in Lijiang. However, after meetings ended, he would gather with business owners for entertainment activities at private houses. His work meetings were often empty with little substance due to his excessive focus on entertainment activities at private houses with business owners and entrepreneurs where he would engage in card games instead of