The warning given to Mr. Vu Huy Hoang is not sufficient to deter future offenses.

That was the comment of delegate Vu Trong Kim (former member of the Central Committee of the Party, member of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front) when answering questions from the press in the National Assembly meeting room on the morning of October 25.

Mr. Vu Trong Kim - Photo: Viet Dung

Mr. Kim agreed with the opinion that a criminal case should be initiated to clarify the signs of profiteering and the serious consequences caused by Mr. Vu Huy Hoang.

* Sir, the conclusion of the Central Inspection Committee indicates that Mr. Vu Huy Hoang violated the regulations of the Central Committee, the Secretariat, and the Law on Prevention and Combat of Corruption, with actions such as "showing self-interest"; "causing serious consequences"... Is it necessary to initiate a criminal case to investigate and clarify the matter?

- I think we need to be specific and not just make general conclusions because it involves violations of state regulations, especially those touching upon provisions of the Criminal Code and infringing on the public interest; the extent of the damage needs to be considered.

So, with such conclusions, is there a basis for prosecution? I think that a criminal investigation is necessary to have a legal basis; I am not satisfied with stopping at general conclusions.

* The Inspection Committee's conclusion stated that the situation was very serious, showing signs of self-serving behavior and causing serious consequences, but only issuing a warning to a retired person like Mr. Hoang doesn't have much significance. What are your comments on this, delegates?

- A warning is not a sufficient deterrent against crime. While we're not talking about crimes yet, we need to clarify the signs mentioned in the conclusion. Only then can we hope that the fight against corruption and abuse of power will be thorough and effective. Only then can we resolve the issue completely.

* If it has been concluded that the appointment of the son was for personal gain and that the personnel planning was flawed, how should the consequences be addressed? Should the appointment decision be revoked?

- I cannot specify the measures because it involves administrative handling or the application of legal obligations; it requires citing specific regulations and a more thorough and comprehensive investigation.

* The National Assembly's Judicial Committee has also just completed its review report on anti-corruption work in 2016, which mentions that the current lax mechanisms for controlling power lead to corruption. The case of Mr. Vu Huy Hoang, as many have observed, is a typical example of inadequate power control. What are your views on this?

- I think society is aware of the way you promote, appoint, and assign officials; such actions clearly cannot be impartial or transparent. Therefore, this matter needs to be investigated and responsibility clarified.

It is true that the mechanisms for controlling power are not yet effective, and now we must improve the legal system to control power more clearly, specifically, and effectively in order to prevent abuse of power.

* Regarding this particular case, public opinion suggests that it must be dealt with strictly in accordance with current laws…

- That's right, it needs to be done strictly, without exception, regardless of the position, because the higher the position, the greater the responsibility demanded by the law.

According to Tuoi Tre newspaper