Formalistic criticism within the Party will lead to personal degradation.

Associate Professor Ho Tan Sang argues that criticism and self-criticism are still largely 형식적인 (formalistic), leading to the decline of individuals.

The Politburo has issued directives regarding self-criticism and criticism in conjunction with the implementation of Resolution No. 4 of the 12th Central Committee. This February, the Politburo plans to organize inspection teams to monitor the implementation of Resolution No. 4 of the 12th Central Committee; and assign Politburo members to directly participate in and supervise self-criticism and criticism sessions at several Party committees and organizations. Also in February, all Party organizations directly under the Central Committee must complete this self-criticism and criticism session.

The people hope to see positive and substantive changes within the Party, so that our Party truly becomes clean and strong, through this necessary political campaign in Party organizations directly under the Central Committee. However, how can criticism and self-criticism become sharp weapons to prevent degradation and push back against "self-evolution" and "self-transformation"? VOV reporter interviewed Associate Professor Dr. Ho Tan Sang from the Regional Political Academy 3 on this issue.

Associate Professor Ho Tan Sang answers questions from VOV reporter.

PV:Sir, the Politburo has just issued directives on self-criticism and criticism in conjunction with the implementation of Resolution No. 4 of the 12th Central Committee, and strengthening Party building and rectification. Could you analyze the urgency of this Party activity?

Mr. Ho Tan Sang:Party building and rectification are ongoing tasks for any political party, and our Party has always paid attention to them from its founding to the present day.

Alongside the achievements we have made, we also face many challenges. These include internal challenges, as pointed out in Resolution No. 4 of the 12th Central Committee, namely "self-evolution" and "self-transformation".

Therefore, the question now is how to prevent and address such instances of degradation. This is a matter of survival for the regime and the ruling party. That is precisely where its urgency lies.

PV:One of the manifestations of ideological and political decline, as clearly stated in the Central Committee Resolution No. 4 of the 12th Party Congress, is: Concealing shortcomings in self-criticism and refusing to acknowledge them; lacking sincerity and self-discipline when shortcomings occur; showing deference, avoidance, and reluctance to confront issues; failing to defend what is right and fight against what is wrong; exploiting criticism for flattery, favoritism, or slander, defamation, and criticism of others with impure personal motives.

Pointing out this manifestation of decline means the Party has clearly seen that many Party organizations and branches engage in criticism and self-criticism, but do so in a formal and perfunctory manner. According to you, what consequences has this type of criticism and self-criticism led to and is currently leading to?

Mr. Ho Tan Sang:That assessment already had its consequences. Self-criticism and criticism are fundamental requirements in Party building. This has always been a priority in Party activities.

In reality, in recent times, criticism and self-criticism have become largely 형식적인 (formalistic), leading to the decline of individuals. Because individuals do not recognize their responsibility for their mistakes, they exploit them to belittle others. At the same time, there are also manifestations of reluctance to confront issues and criticize for fear of challenging those in power. Essentially, this stems from the unclear mechanisms protecting those who bravely fight against those who abuse power.

The consequence is that individual Party organizations lose their fighting capacity, and individuals exhibit tendencies that are sometimes too left-leaning, sometimes too right-leaning. For each Party member, these are manifestations of self-degeneration from within.

PV:Currently, some leaders refuse to listen to criticism; they become angry or retaliate with accusations whenever weaknesses are mentioned… gradually, people no longer dare to speak up. In your opinion, is this behavior dangerous for the Party?

Mr. Ho Tan SangThis is extremely dangerous. Psychologically, people prefer praise to criticism. Criticism, critique, and constructive feedback are both a science and an art. Perhaps our system is not yet clear, so offering constructive criticism, especially to those in positions of power, is extremely difficult. This has been observed in practice and theory for a long time. So, why is it so difficult to overcome?

I think the root cause is the lack of mechanisms and institutions to control the power of those in authority. Therefore, when they have power, they act arbitrarily, using their authority to impose their will and force others to obey, even if they themselves commit wrongdoings.

Repeated struggles and practical experience have shown that struggles without mechanisms and institutions to protect them often lead to the conclusion that "there's no escaping it." This very lack of protection stifles struggle within the Party, leading to a weakened fighting spirit.

PV:To effectively conduct self-criticism and criticism within Party activities, the key issue is understanding the purpose of this process. What role does the head of the Party organization play in conducting the review and evaluation process, in relation to the quality of a self-criticism and criticism session, sir?

Mr. Ho Tan Sang:The leader is the soul of the system. In an organization, the apparatus has two tasks to handle, two tasks to perfect. First, perfecting the institutional framework, that is, perfecting the regulations and rules to consider the responsibility and contribution of each individual.

Besides institutions and mechanisms, the role of people, especially leaders, is extremely important. If they are open to feedback, things will be different; if they are bureaucratic, arrogant, or exhibit individualism, things will be different. Therefore, in current Party building efforts, our Party always emphasizes setting a good example for leaders.

Studying and following the example, thoughts, and ethics of President Ho Chi Minh is one of the important requirements; leaders must set an example and practice what they preach. I believe that leaders are the soul of the entire system. If they have good character and qualities, and work together with the Party's resolutions, policies, and guidelines, they will build a healthy organization. However, even with a good system, if the leader has problems, the entire system and organization will face problems.

PV:Given the recent handling of violations by former high-ranking party members, how do you perceive the determination of the Politburo and the Central Committee of the 12th Party Congress to rectify and purify the Party?

Mr. Ho Tan Sang:The Party's political determination in building and rectifying itself has existed for a long time; the important thing is which solutions demonstrate that determination in practice, and we must explore and experiment with many solutions.

Disciplining officials who hold leadership positions within an organization demonstrates the Party's determination. This creates a significant deterrent effect on Party members and ordinary citizens who lack power and authority. Those disciplined also understand that retirement does not mean a safe landing. This serves as a warning to those currently in power, reminding them to limit their actions. Further action must be taken decisively, not just limited to one or two cases.

PVThank you, sir.

According to VOV