Mr. Dinh La Thang: I bow my head to apologize to the people.

After 9 days of trial, on the morning of January 17, the defendants in the case of Intentional Violation and Embezzlement of Property that occurred at the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and the Vietnam Oil and Gas Construction Corporation (PVC) were given the final say before the panel of judges entered into deliberation.

As the first person to present, Mr. Thang thanked the chairman and the panel of judges for conducting the trial in the spirit of innovation, democracy, and objectivity according to the Constitution and the spirit of judicial reform. He thanked the lawyers with high spirit and deep understanding for their sharp opinions.

Holding several pages of paper covered with words, he occasionally looked at them, saying that exactly 35 years ago, after graduating from university, the defendant and his girlfriend, now his wife, went to work at the Song Da hydroelectric plant, with the enthusiasm of youth, conquering the Da River, with all the faith in a healthy electric current.

After 30 years of working, having held many positions, he has always worked for the collective and the assigned tasks. "Today, the defendant never thought he would have to stand before the court to say his last words. This is an unfortunate and painful thing for the defendant and his family," he stated.

Mr. Thang said his last words on the morning of January 17.

He said he always did his best to fulfill his responsibilities, was determined, dared to think and act; there were no holidays or Tet holidays. "The defendant still owes the people of Long Thanh International Airport, the North-South Expressway; the people of remote areas thousands of bridges for them to travel safely. In Ho Chi Minh City, he still owes the people to turn the city into the number one economy in Asia, a peaceful city without theft, robbery, or social evils; an aspiration to turn Cu Chi into a new administrative center; the people of Can Gio, workers to go to a new, civilized, clean place to live; students to an education program that is not overloaded, integrated; a child with amputated limbs has not been visited by his family and many debts are just ideas...", Mr. Thang said.

"Standing before the court today, giving my final words, facing a severe punishment, I once again bow my head to apologize to the Party, the State, the people, the generation of workers in the oil and gas industry, transportation, and the people of Ho Chi Minh City," Mr. Thang stated.

Want to go home to take care of dad, have the last Tet with family

He told the court: "The General Secretary said that every incident has its cause and context; handling officials is essential for people to progress, to recognize their own shortcomings and correct them. This is also the ideology in the Party's personnel work that demonstrates seriousness and profound humanity, so I hope the panel of judges will be imbued with this ideology."

He said that after the case, he still has to face the case of PVN contributing capital to Oceanbank. With hundreds of projects and works already implemented..., he cannot predict when will be the last time to have the last word in court.

Citing a story in 2012 where someone sent a letter from a farmer saying that if he was no longer a leader, he would return to his people, be elected village chief, and be taken fishing and farming, Mr. Thang said now "that small dream is no longer possible".

"This Tet, the defendant will no longer go to the construction site but will have to go to prison. For the defendant, all dreams and aspirations have almost been closed. Uncle Ho said 'one day in prison, a thousand years abroad'. Only then will the defendant understand the great meaning of the word 'freedom', feel the greatness of the Party and the State bringing freedom to the nation. But no matter what the circumstances, the defendant is absolutely loyal to the Party and the people; believes in the leadership of the Party and the General Secretary; believes in the fair, objective, and humane handling of the case by the panel of judges."

In a slow, sad voice, Mr. Thang said that his father had just been hospitalized the day before yesterday, so he hoped the jury would change the preventive measures so that the defendant could take care of his father. He wanted to celebrate the last Tet with his family, friends, and relatives, and then serve his prison sentence, "not knowing when he would be released."

"Ahead of me are endless days in prison, but I always believe in the fairness of the law. Only when I am in prison do I understand the great meaning of family and the love between wife and children. I thank my friends and colleagues for sharing my situation," Mr. Thang concluded his final statement in court.

The penalty for Mr. Thang will be stated in the verdict announced on January 22.