Most importantly, it's about belief.

(Baonghean)Recently, in an exchange with the press on the sidelines of the National Assembly session, the Deputy Head of the Central Internal Affairs Committee spoke about the issue of spending money to buy information to serve the work of preventing and combating corruption. In fact, this is not a new practice but merely a continuation of this policy from the Office of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption. Many consider this a new step, a small breakthrough aimed at bringing practical effectiveness in the difficult, complex, and even dangerous field of combating embezzlement and corruption. From a professional standpoint, it can be considered a tactic for gathering information by the Central Internal Affairs Committee.

According to information obtained from this exchange, since the policy was implemented, the authorities have received approximately several dozen reports, generally of good quality. However, it must be emphasized that, even though the reports are good, the number of several dozen is far too small compared to what is actually happening in this field.

Of particular concern is that, to date, with the exception of Lam Dong province, which has implemented this type of "information gathering," most provincial internal affairs departments have not yet concretely implemented this type of information purchasing. Even though, in principle, it has been permitted for widespread implementation. Some explain this by saying that the organizational capacity of each provincial internal affairs department is still unfamiliar and unaccustomed to this new task. Others are hesitant, believing that provinces are reluctant because they fear "exposing their weaknesses." They wonder if spending money to buy information and then just leaving it unresolved will lead to problems, or if it will cause further complications and lead to the issue becoming stagnant and intractable, as has happened in some cases before.

Some argue that the price ceiling for this type of information is too low. Just 10 million VND per tip doesn't compensate for the losses and damages if it's leaked. Therefore, people aren't very keen on it, except for those who are brave, highly responsible, and those who are or have been victims of such acts of embezzlement and corruption. Frankly, there's apprehension on both the buyer's and seller's sides, especially on the tip-off side. This is because those involved in embezzlement and corruption are mostly people with power and authority. In short, they have the power to influence many things and overpower many people and agencies at various levels. Therefore, although everyone expresses outrage at embezzlement and corruption, not everyone has the courage to directly and concretely participate in eliminating it. This apprehension and anxiety are entirely justified.

Because many courageous individuals have stood up to denounce negative practices, embezzlement, and corruption, only to subsequently face immense trouble and pressure from those accused. Some have been discriminated against and retaliated against for reporting wrongdoing, facing difficulties everywhere and at all times. They have even been fired, expelled from the Party, or physically harmed, despite having made accurate accusations. Some individuals who attended conferences honoring exemplary individuals in the fight against corruption and embezzlement have been isolated at their workplaces and residences, affecting their spouses, children, and relatives. Furthermore, these cases of corruption and embezzlement are often not thoroughly and properly handled, ensuring that the guilty are punished appropriately. This leaves citizens feeling insecure and lacking confidence in their protection when fighting corruption and wrongdoing. These stories can be easily verified through the mass media. Therefore, people are hesitant to report, inform, or sell information for money because they fear for their own safety and the safety of their families.

From this, it is clear that paying for information to detect, investigate, and prosecute acts of embezzlement and corruption is necessary and highly advisable. However, more importantly, it is crucial to build public trust and confidence in combating negative behaviors, embezzlement, and corruption by strictly and correctly handling cases according to legal procedures and regulations. This must be coupled with ensuring absolute safety and appropriately honoring those who participate in fighting corruption. Only then will people be enthusiastic about gathering information and providing it to authorities, regardless of whether they are paid or not.

Buying information to combat corruption is necessary, but more importantly, and more effectively, it builds trust among the people.

Duy Huong