Could Someone with an Annual Salary of One Million Yuan Become A Model Worker?

Jiang Xingquan, the head coach of the Xinjiang Flying Tiger basketball team, has been awarded the title of 'model worker' by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The 69-year-old coach was named for his role in leading the basketball team, which was a second-class team several years ago, into the finals of the Chinese Basketball Association league.

However, this title triggered hot debate among the public, mainly because of his unusual background: A sports celebrity with an annual pay of several million yuan.

A Xinhua Daily Telegraph article elaborates on the public's opinion.

It says model workers traditionally were chosen from among the ranks of toilet cleaners, bus conductors, plumbers and scientists.

Some people believe as the head coach of a commercial basketball club, it is natural for Jiang Xingquan to enjoy high earnings. Others argue that model workers should carry such virtues as ignoring personal fame and gains as well as making a selfless contribution.

However, some people say it stands to reason that Jiang Xingquan was entitled to receive recognition as a model worker because in the new century selfless contribution is no longer the key criteria for the evaluation of model workers. Instead, an outstanding contribution to society has become more common.

The article also backs Jiang Xingquan's winning of the title. It says over past decades, the criteria for model workers have changed in accordance with social changes, citing examples that more private entrepreneurs, stars and migrant workers are now being recognised.