When the government sees things through the eyes of the people!

Almost simultaneously, the Prime Minister made decisions on two issues that were attracting considerable public attention: responding to the measles outbreak and hosting the ASIAD Games.

On April 15th, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam personally inspected the treatment of measles patients at the National Children's Hospital, which had been severely overloaded for several days. There, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that he had to thank a doctor at the hospital for posting on Facebook about the high number of child deaths due to measles. He immediately instructed: Even before an epidemic is officially declared, respond as if it were an epidemic!

Illustrative image

While the decision of whether or not to declare a measles epidemic rests with the authorities, for the general public, the declaration of an epidemic is not the most important thing. Through the press and social media, it's easy to see the anxiety and confusion of the public, especially parents with young children, regarding the number of children who have lost their lives to measles.

These decisive and resolute actions demonstrate that the government leaders not only listen to the opinions of the people, but also truly put themselves in the people's shoes and see things from the people's perspective.

The close attention of government leaders, directly listening to the opinions of the people and the medical team fighting measles, has warmed people's hearts and given them more confidence. This way of working, naturally, will be supported by the people.

"In line with public sentiment" was also a phrase that dominated headlines on April 18th, as the press commented on the Prime Minister's directive to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to withdraw from hosting the 18th Asian Games in Hanoi.

While the whole country is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, there have been comments linking the Prime Minister's decision to the "retreat and withdraw artillery" decision when preparations were insufficient to guarantee victory at Dien Bien Phu. It should also be added that withdrawing from hosting the ASIAD does not mean that our desire to organize such an event was a mistake! At the regular government press conference in March 2014, Minister and Head of the Government Office Nguyen Van Nen stated, "Each option (hosting and not hosting) has its advantages and disadvantages. When presenting two options, a comparison will allow leaders to consider and evaluate them," in order to decide on the most optimal option, one that is more beneficial to the country.

Making that decision was not easy, especially considering the issue of national prestige and image. But "taking a step back opens up a vast horizon," and in the current circumstances, withdrawing from hosting the ASIAD would be like "taking one step back to take many steps forward."

But the biggest gain was the public support. Survey results, although not entirely accurate, on online newspapers showed that most opinions did not support hosting the ASIAD at this time. Some even expressed frustration, citing dilapidated bridges awaiting repair, students lacking rice to attend school, the poor not having enough to eat or wear, and the National Children's Hospital being overwhelmed with measles patients.

Of course, all comparisons are flawed, but clearly in this case, the public's opinions about withdrawing from hosting the ASIAD while the economic situation is still difficult, the budget is limited, and priorities must be focused on other urgent tasks, are entirely justified.

Even from the perspective of national prestige and reputation, it is reasonable to believe that the Vietnamese government's frankness and willingness to listen to the people's opinions will earn the understanding and respect of other countries. After all, responsibility for one's own actions is also responsibility to the international community.

Some have spoken of "a new style of government." In fact, this "style" was emphasized by the Prime Minister in his 2014 New Year's message, stressing the need to "firmly uphold the banner of democracy." Listening to the people's opinions and making decisions according to their legitimate aspirations is the clearest and most direct manifestation of democracy.

According to chinhphu.vn