Chinese communist officials turn to feng shui masters to boost careers

SOME Chinese Communist officials have turned to once-outlawed feng shui masters to get a better chance of promotion amid nationwide job reshuffles, it was claimed yesterday.

They paid handsome fees to the masters, who help choose offices facing auspicious directions, reposition furniture or place talismans to ward off “evil spirits” from competitors, the Southern Weekend newspaper said.

Local governments at various levels began a round of leadership reshuffles late last year, marked by sweeping retirements as well as reappointments.