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VIR-news
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| NA turns attention to anti-corruption |
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Deputies at the ongoing session of the National Assembly have suggested the establishment of an independent anti-corruption committee to reduce instances of bribery, still considered a serious and widespread problem across Vietnam.
Vo Van Kiet, former prime minister, said if the anti-corruption committee was to review and settle bribery cases, it would need a clear and defined structure.
The suggestion was made in response to the growing number of bribery cases reported in the country’s economic sectors, especially since current punishments have failed to deter and control violators.
Figures released by various ministries and international organisations indicate that between 30 and 40 per cent of investment capital for infrastructure and construction works have disappeared through corruption and embezzlement.
“Punishment and disciplinary action for violators, especially governmental officials, hasn’t been severe or strict enough,” said Kiet.
The case of ‘La Thi Kim Oanh’, which resulted in the embezzlement of billions of VND (hundreds of thousand of USD), ended simply with minister’s resignation.
“Heads of ministries and agencies should take responsibility for corruption and bribery cases conducted by officials from lower levels,” he added.
“The National Assembly supervises various activities of executive bodies,” Kiet said, adding that it would be best if members of the anti-corruption supervision committee were selected from National Assembly deputies.
“A supervision committee such as this would only specialise in serious corruption cases,” he added.
Mai Quoc Binh, deputy chief of the State Inspectorate, said that an independent supervision committee under the National Assembly would assist the government in its fight against rampant corruption.
“At present, the State Inspectorate have not fulfilled their responsibility,” he said, claiming that some of the staff are being held responsible for mistakes made when inspecting corruption and bribery cases at PetroVietnam, resulting in unnecessary public attention.
Binh said an effective and efficient anti-corruption campaign would need the participation and supervision of various concerned agencies such as Internal Affairs, and lower level agencies.
If such measures are taken, the loss of investment capital from infrastructure and construction may be reduced from the current 40 per cent level.
Nguyen Van Hien, chief of the Supreme People’s Court, said a specific definition of functions for the independent anti-corruption supervision committee was required, as this would avoid overlapping and confusion amongst governmental agencies associated with inspectorate.
“The government’s executive agencies specialising in inspectorate should ensure these responsibilities are fulfilled first,” he said.
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By Vu Long
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