Brian Jeffrey
In a significant move during the 26th session of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption and Misconduct led by General Secretary and President To Lam, a comprehensive strategy was devised to strengthen the fight against corruption, building on the foundation laid by the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. This session marked a crucial turning point, reaffirming the continuity of an essential campaign initiated since the 13th Party Congress.
Under the leadership of the late General Secretary Trong, notable progress was made in combatting corruption, resonating throughout all societal levels, fostering a culture of answerability and openness. There are high expectations for General Secretary To Lam to continue these efforts, as both the public and governmental structures look to him for guidance in reinforcing these anti-corruption measures.
Recognizing the achievements and challenges ahead, General Secretary To Lam stressed the importance of ingraining anti-corruption initiatives deeply within the grassroots of both Party and government structures. He emphasized that this battle necessitates the active involvement of all officials and Party members, who must operate under constant scrutiny to maintain honesty and answerability.
The message was clear: the fight against corruption should not only be confined to high-level committees but should permeate the day-to-day functions of all government branches and the Party. This entails elevating the quality of Party meetings and stressing the significance of self-critique and mutual responsibility, crucial for early identification and rectification of potential violations.
Citing recent corruption incidents within major corporations such as Viet A, AIC, Phuc Son, and Thuan An, Mr. To Lam underscored the significant harm these cases have inflicted on public trust and their direct impact on national progress. These examples underscore the necessity of vigilance and the maintenance of stringent ethical standards within Party ranks and governmental operations.
In response, Mr. To Lam outlined proactive measures designed to prevent corruption before it takes place. These measures include reinforcing institutional checks, enhancing transparency through digital upgrades, and encouraging cashless transactions to diminish opportunities for corrupt activities.
Moreover, General Secretary To Lam stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of corruption, particularly the erosion of political ideology, ethics, and conduct among Party members. Over 4,000 Party members faced disciplinary actions in the first half of the year alone for breaches of this nature, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge.
In conclusion, Mr. To Lam emphasized that anti-corruption endeavors must align with the country’s economic and social development objectives. As Vietnam approaches significant national milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the Party’s establishment and the country’s independence, it is vital to ensure that anti-corruption measures support rather than impede progress.
The recent identification of over 300 legal inconsistencies by the Steering Committee, with 80 already resolved, illustrates the government’s dedication to streamlining governance, unlocking resources, and fostering proactive governance, contributing to a robust GDP growth rate of 6.42% in the first half of the year.
General Secretary and President To Lam’s recent directives not only reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to fighting corruption but also establish a framework for sustainable national advancement, blending integrity with innovation.
Dr. Le Van Hanh (Central Internal Affairs Commission)
