Petty corruption

(Baonghean) - On May 5th, the National Conference on Anti-Corruption was held in Hanoi. At this conference, for the first time, the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption included a noteworthy phrase in the official conference documents: "petty corruption".

In the section assessing the results of anti-corruption efforts, specifically regarding limitations, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Head of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption, stated: "Petty corruption, manifested through bribery in the administrative and public service sectors... remains a serious problem." The term "petty corruption" is likely used to distinguish it from "major corruption" in terms of scale, severity of violations, and resulting consequences. This aims to better understand and identify the types of corruption that anti-corruption efforts must focus on to combat, prevent, and address, without exception or exclusion.

The way General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong named and framed the issue of "petty corruption" has truly generated public attention because he has identified and pointed out a long-standing and troubling reality that has caused widespread social concern. While called "petty corruption," it is no longer a minor issue, as it occurs in many sectors, at many levels, and in many fields, and can happen anytime, anywhere, especially at the grassroots level and in departments directly related to citizens and businesses. "Petty corruption" is something that any citizen can witness firsthand, see and hear about; in fact, many citizens have been, are, or will be victims of "petty corruption" because it happens very close by, on a daily basis...

Therefore, petty corruption negatively impacts the image of the government apparatus, administrative agencies, and civil servants at all levels and in all sectors. Petty corruption is something any citizen can encounter when participating in any administrative transaction, public service, or activity related to finance, banking, resources, minerals, investment, etc., so the location, form, and extent of corruption are very clear. Anyone can encounter it, anyone can recognize it, because anyone can be subjected to difficulties or harassment, but because everyone wants to get things done, wants to avoid trouble and negative consequences, with the mentality of "if you have to cross the river, you have to rely on the ferry," they reluctantly endure the situation. But when petty corruption becomes a serious problem, a national scourge, causing widespread suffering and resentment, when everyone's tolerance is pushed to its absolute limit, and further suffering becomes unbearable, the accumulation of painful and frustrating feelings in society is immense, and therefore its harmful effects are certainly not insignificant.

In a developing country with a low-to-middle income, a small economy, and a modest gross national income, if both "grand corruption" and "petty corruption" are allowed to continue to relentlessly plunder the budget and the people's pockets, disaster is a foregone conclusion. Therefore, Comrade Nguyen Ba Thanh, Head of the Central Committee for Anti-Corruption and Deputy Head of the Central Committee for Anti-Corruption, was absolutely right to emphasize twice in his report at the National Conference on Anti-Corruption that "corruption remains one of the most pressing issues in society today." At the same time, the Head of the Central Committee for Anti-Corruption warned that corruption "remains a potential risk factor for political and social instability."

However, it is encouraging that the public's concerns about corruption and its dangers have been clearly identified and named by high-ranking Party leaders, those holding the highest positions in directing the fight against corruption. They have also affirmed the political determination of the entire political system to "fight corruption" in the coming period, dealing with corruption without exception, without privileges or special benefits, and implementing anti-corruption measures within anti-corruption agencies themselves. It is hoped that the fight against corruption will continue to see many positive changes, and that corruption will be prevented and pushed back. Together with the relevant agencies, every official, Party member, and citizen should actively participate in eradicating "major corruption" and consciously cooperate with the authorities to eradicate "petty corruption"!

Ngo Kien