The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPVCC) opened its fifth plenary meeting of the 12th tenure last week and discussed improving socialist-oriented market economy institutions and rearranging, reforming and improving State-owned enterprises. 

The Central Committee decided to issue an official warning to Đinh La Thăng, a Politburo member and Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee, and dismissed him from the Politburo of the Party Central Committee for past wrongdoings as the head of the State-owned National Oil and Gas Group (PVN).

Senior Party members share their opinions on the issue.

Lieutenant General Nguyễn Quốc Thước, former commander of Military Region 4

Lieutenant General Nguyễn Quốc Thước, former commander of Military Region 4

What do you think of the recent decision by the Party’s Central Committee to dismiss Politburo member Đinh La Thăng from his post? What is your opinion on disciplinary measures of officials, especially high-ranking officials who violate Party regulations?

The decision by the Party’s Central Inspection Committee has enhanced public trust in the Party’s guidance and in the implementation of the Resolution on Party building and rectification adopted by the fourth Party Central Committee (12th tenure).

It is of utmost importance that the Party make itself more transparent, and strengthen its integrity. It’s obvious that those who have done good will be rewarded and those who have committed wrongdoings have to take responsibility. My opinion is that for the same violations, those in high-ranking positions should be given tougher disciplinary measures.

Such cases cause huge damage to the image of the Party. But only such decisions can help save the Party. I wish no Party members would try to dodge responsibilities once they are found guilty, or pretend to be ill. That’s very cowardly.

In the case of Đinh La Thăng, when he was the Minister of Transport, I think his efforts resulted in many positive changes to the country’s transport scene. He was an active leader who would think of the people and act for the people.

However, his wrongdoings when he was the leader of the National Oil and Gas Group had caused great damage to the country and to the people. I believe Thăng should realize his mistakes and try to right his wrong. Let’s think about the past: when the land reform were criticized for its mistakes, the then-General Secretary of the Party, Trường Chinh, resigned. It was an example for us to look up to and improve ourselves.

What do you think should be the following steps to ensure the Party can successfully conduct Party building and rectification?

I think the Party should not only tackle the wrongdoings that have already occurred, but also prevent similar acts in the future. Each member of the Party should also learn from this lesson and if they have done any wrongdoings, they should wake up and adjust.

The Standing Committee of the Central Party should also carefully manage the human resources of the organisation. Human resources are a decisive element for success. If the Party chooses the wrong people for the bureau, the consequences for the people and the country would be enormous.

Also, inspection activities should be stricter. We can’t let those with group interests go too far in the Party organisation and spoil it.

Trần Quốc Thuận, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Office

Trần Quốc Thuận, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Office

I myself welcome the determination of the Party in addressing the issue of its members violating state regulations. Fighting wrongdoings within the organisation is the very way to make it stronger.

It once again confirmed that no one is immune in the fight against corruption, including high-ranking officials violating the laws, whoever they are and whatever titles they hold.

This is the first time ever that the Party Inspection Committee requested such disciplinary measures against a Politburo member in office for his wrongdoings in economic management.

Previously, the Party’s Secretariat dismissed Võ Kim Cự, former Hà Tĩnh Party Committee Secretary and People’s Committee Chairman, and gave warnings to former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyễn Minh Quang, for their mismanagement in the environmental incident in Hà Tĩnh.

However, the bigger question is why these high-ranking officials were promoted to even higher positions after that?

It’s obvious that there’s something not right in the way the Party manages and assesses its members. How will people who recommended and appointed these officials take responsibility?  Should they be disciplined, as well?

Vũ Quốc Hùng, former vice chairman of the Party Central’s Inspection Committee

Vũ Quốc Hùng, former vice chairman of the Party Central Inspection Committee

People can’t be perfect, they will make mistakes sometimes. We can’t deny the good things that Đinh La Thăng did in the past when managing economic and social matters.

We seriously need to look back at the supervision task of the local Party unit. We have very clear documents on the recommendations and appointments of officials, but some people didn’t enforce such regulations strictly. For some interests, these people stand above the Party regulations.

It’s very important that the inspection and supervision over Party members and State official be enhanced. -- VNS