An official in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, who fell on his knees begging for forgiveness after his dining extravagantly at public expense sparked public outrage last week, was removed from his post on Monday, according to an article in People's Daily (excerpts below)

Residents were angry at decision to build a chemical factory near their neighborhood without soliciting their ideas and advice and the extravagant meal was the final straw.

The official displayed an arrogance at odds with his public responsibilities.

The incident should serve as a warning that in "an age of rights" officials should get used to public supervision if they want to avoid similar fates.