The People's Daily (October 12) published an article commemorating the 120th birthday of
Peng Zhen. It observed that "from 1979 to 1988, Comrade Peng Zhen presided over the
formulation of 88 laws and 35 decisions on legal issues". The article described Peng Zhen as:
'a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, outstanding state activist, staunch Marxist, the
main founder of the socialist legal system in New China, and an outstanding leader of the party
and the country. In order to realize the lofty ideal of communism all his life, he has always
stood at the forefront of the cause of the party and the people, fought tenaciously and
unremittingly. His famous name, together with his contributions to the party, the country and
the people, will always be engraved in the annals of the Chinese nation.' It referred to him as 'a
member of the first generation of the party's leading collective.' It noted that 'During the
"Cultural Revolution", Comrade Peng Zhen was wrongly criticized and brutally persecuted.
But in the face of adversity, he always believed that the truth would win, believed in the party,
and believed in the people. He insisted on studying Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong
Thought and fought resolutely against the perverts of Lin Biao and Jiang Qing.' Praising the
contributions of the revolutionaries, the article said, 'We must unite more closely around the
CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, continue to carry forward the
historical initiative, work hard and move forward bravely, win greater victories and glory in
the new era and new journey, and meet the party with practical actions.'
(Comment: A tough conservative cadre, Peng Zhen was in charge of the security apparatus for
many years.)
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