"The press is a sharp weapon to support the righteous and eliminate evil"

On the afternoon of June 19, the Government Office met with press agencies to celebrate the 89th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2014) and the 2nd anniversary of the program "People ask - Ministers answer" on air.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam. Photo: VGP

On behalf of the Government and the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam expressed his gratitude to the press agencies and journalists who have always stood side by side with the Government, not only reflecting its activities but also giving a voice to the whole society to agree on the implementation of the Party and State's guidelines and policies. That role is even more evident in difficult socio-economic circumstances. Most recently, China illegally placed the Haiyang Shiyou 981 drilling rig in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone.

Appreciating the contributions of the press and recalling President Ho Chi Minh's message - "the press is a sharp weapon to "support the righteous and eliminate evil" - the Deputy Prime Minister hopes that the press will continue to stand side by side with the Party, the Government and the people, encouraging good examples in daily life, in economic activities and in protecting the independence and sovereignty of the Fatherland; at the same time, fighting against all negative things.

“Above all, the press must respect the truth, tell the truth, and limit things that are called truth but are not the truth,” the Deputy Prime Minister advised.

In his role as a "bridge" between the press and the Government's activities, Minister - Head of the Government Office Nguyen Van Nen said that through reflecting on socio-economic issues, press agencies have effectively contributed to the direction and administration of the Government, ministries, branches and localities.

Minister Nguyen Van Nen. Photo: VGP

In 2014, the press actively conveyed Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's New Year Message and messages at international and domestic forums; communicated major foreign affairs activities of the Government and Government leaders; and the Prime Minister's statements on the East Sea issue.

Regarding the Haiyang Shiyou 981 drilling rig incident, Minister Nguyen Van Nen affirmed that domestic press agencies and many major international media outlets have reported promptly and truthfully on China’s illegal and inhumane actions. Through the press, the international community has voiced its sympathy and support for Vietnam in its just struggle to protect its sacred sovereignty and legitimate interests.

Also at the meeting, on the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of broadcasting (since May 2012) with nearly 100 programs "People ask - Ministers answer" - the program was born from the idea of ​​Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (when he was Minister, Head of the Government Office), many leaders of ministries and branches present at the meeting gave suggestions to improve and enhance the quality.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam shared: “The Government’s greatest concern lies in the name of the program. People ask, in the true role of the people as masters, ask officials, specifically ask ministers and commanders of sectors. When people ask, ministers do not have to answer, do not have to direct, but to respond.”

The Deputy Prime Minister hopes that the spirit of the program will truly spread through journalists so that the people's questions are exactly what they want and require the commanders to answer, and the commanders are ready to answer what the people need.

“People want to know the truth. People praise and criticize. The Government is always aware that when people praise, we try harder. When people criticize, we feel sorry for them and demand that we do better,” said Mr. Dam.

VTV General Director Tran Binh Minh said that VTV is ready to increase the program duration to 60 minutes and broadcast it live (instead of only 7-8 minutes per episode and pre-recorded as at present) after the 7 p.m. news program. Accordingly, during the broadcast, people can directly contact, ask questions and receive answers from the industry commanders. Many ministers have expressed their support for this proposal.

According to Zing