Disciplining 2 former Deputy Ministers of Public Security: A warning lesson for officials

On December 14, 2018, the Investigation Police Agency of the Ministry of Public Security prosecuted and issued a decision prohibiting Mr. Tran Viet Tan, former Director General of the General Department, and Mr. Bui Van Thanh, former Director of the Ministry of Public Security, from leaving their place of residence for "Crime of lack of responsibility causing serious consequences" as prescribed in Article 285 of the 1999 Penal Code.

The prosecution of Tran Viet Tan and Bui Van Thanh is related to the investigation process of expanding the case of "Abusing position and power while performing official duties" carried out by Phan Van Anh Vu and his accomplices.

Major General Le Ma Luong - former Director of the Vietnam Military History Museum shared that he was "very sad" because former leaders like Tran Viet Tan and Bui Van Thanh violated the law to the point of having to be criminally prosecuted.

However, through this case, it once again shows the determination of the Party and the Public Security sector in purifying the ranks, eliminating unworthy people, to prove that our Party is fair and upright, with no forbidden zones and no exceptions. Thereby, it further strengthens the trust and prestige of the Public Security force with the people, with cadres and Party members.

According to Mr. Le Ma Luong, the above specific incident also shows that officials do not pay attention to regularly training themselves, especially cultivating moral qualities and lifestyle, do not have enough courage and mettle, and easily fall into serious mistakes, which is "unacceptable".

"And this is also a warning lesson for officials, regardless of their position, they must be aware of their role and position to avoid making mistakes and losing themselves," said Mr. Le Ma Luong.

Disciplining former police officers does not weaken the industry

Sharing the same view, Ms. Bui Thi An - National Assembly Delegate of the 13th term said that people are heartened by the Party's high political determination, "no forbidden zones, no tolerance, no forgiveness" for anyone, with names that no one dared to touch but were eventually disciplined and punished by law.

“It is very regrettable and sad that some police officers in very high positions, assigned very important tasks, have made mistakes. Disciplining former police officers does not weaken the sector, and certainly does not discredit the sector. Covering up for new officers discredits the Party and corrupts officers, while disciplining officers only strengthens the Party and regains the people's trust in the Party,” said Ms. Bui Thi An.

Since the 12th National Party Congress, we have witnessed many cadres and party members holding key roles under the Central management being disciplined, even prosecuted before the law. This reflects the courage to purify the leadership apparatus at all levels from the Central to the local level, but on the other hand, it also shows that the exemplary role of a number of cadres and party members is declining, causing negative public opinion.

More than ever, along with the guidance on the Regulations on exemplary responsibility of cadres and party members, first of all members of the Politburo, members of the Secretariat, members of the Party Central Committee, each cadre and party member needs to maintain and promote the pioneering and exemplary spirit, regularly study and practice, be serious in self-criticism and criticism, educate the sense of responsibility, especially the sense of responsibility of the Party committees and leaders. At the same time, regularly strengthen the inspection and supervision work so that there are no loopholes for those who take advantage of those loopholes to do unclear and unjust things, seeking personal interests.

Previously, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed a Decision on disciplinary action against Mr. Tran Viet Tan and Mr. Bui Van Thanh.

Specifically, disciplinary action was taken in the form of removing the position of Deputy Minister of Public Security for the period 2011-2016 for Mr. Tran Viet Tan, due to very serious violations and shortcomings in his work, and the Politburo has disciplined him in terms of the Party in Decision No. 822-QDNS/TW dated July 31, 2018.

Mr. Bui Van Thanh was dismissed from the position of Deputy Minister of Public Security due to very serious violations and shortcomings in his work and the Politburo has imposed Party discipline in Decision No. 823-QDNS/TW dated July 31, 2018./.