BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday urged audit authorities to be more strict when overseeing the use of public funds and safeguard the interests of the public.

Audit authorities must wield their power righteously and they should not allow public funds to remain idle on the books, nor should they turn the other cheek to drainage or misappropriation, Li said when meeting with prominent auditing personnel from across the country.

Li said auditors should keep an eye out for violations and misuse of public funds.

Li also called for innovations in the country's auditing system by getting rid of outdated working patterns and raising audit efficiency with the use of modern technology.