Former deputy prime minister Vũ Văn Ninh. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI A former top politician has been warned over his mistakes while in office.

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee on Friday issued a disciplinary warning against Vũ Văn Ninh, former member of both Party Central Committee and Government’s Party Civil Affairs Committee and former deputy prime minister. 

The decision was made during a Politburo meeting held in Hà Nội, chaired by Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng. 

According to the Politburo, as a member of the Party Central Committee and the Government’s Party Civil Affairs Committee and Deputy PM in charge of business innovation from August 2011 to April 2016, Ninh signed documents allowing the equitisation and divestment of State capital from Quy Nhơn Port JSC and Quảng Ninh Port JSC. 

He agreed in principle with the People’s Committee of Khánh Hòa Province to continue with State capital divestment after taking over Nha Trang Port JSC. Ninh also approved the plan to equitise the Airports Corporation of Việt Nam and 10 internal water management units, which were not subject to equitisation.

These documents ran counter to the Politburo’s conclusions and the Government’s decree on equitisation and divestment of State capital in tandem with the restructuring of State-owned enterprises. 

As a member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Finance, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Vietnam Social Security Management Council from July 2006 to 2011, Ninh lacked responsibility, violated the Law on Social Insurance and the Government’s decree on the Việt Nam Social Security (VSS). 

He let two VSS general directors (in 2008 and 2009) seriously violate legal regulations by signing contracts allowing Agribank Financial Leasing Company No 2 to get loans worth VNĐ1.01 trillion (US$43.43 million). 

The bankruptcy of  Agribank Financial Leasing Company No 2 resulted in a huge loss for the State. The two VSS leaders and many officials and Party members involved in the case faced criminal investigations, which are ongoing.

The Politburo said Ninh’s violations were serious and affected the prestige of the Party organisation and himself, causing public concern. Ninh accepted his responsibility for the violations and wrongdoings.

The Politburo also asked agencies to issue administrative disciplinary measures against Ninh in proportion to the Party’s disciplinary measures. VNS