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Keeping society - and Cabinet - open to all talent

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Qi Xi was a high-ranking official in the state of Jin. In an ancient Chinese annal on the Spring and Autumn period (8th to 5th century BCE), he was asked who the best person was to fill an important regional office that became vacant. He nominated Xie Hu.

The King of Jin asked: "Isn't Xie Hu your enemy?"

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 17, 2018, with the headline Keeping society - and Cabinet - open to all talent. Subscribe