Delegate Duong Trung Quoc: 'I do not run for election with promises'

Having just been re-elected to the National Assembly for the fourth consecutive time, historian Duong Trung Quoc affirmed that he will continue to be straightforward and unsparing in parliament.

- With more than 14 years of experience as a National Assembly delegate, what do you feel about this election?

- There are no official national results from the National Election Council yet, but some localities have announced them. I think there is no big surprise. I know that, although not yet official, out of 197 candidates nominated for central agencies, many were not elected.

In recent elections, especially this time, many candidates holding important positions in the political system have received votes above or below 80%. Now that is normal, but it must be noted that the results are far different from the previous period, when we often gave almost absolute percentages (close to 100%).

I think the election results have shown a change, reflecting to some extent the people's concerns. They are clearly aware that voting is primarily for their own benefit.

- In the constituency you participated in, how was the change reflected?

- In my constituency, 6 people chose 3, but the people only voted for 2. Dong Nai is one of the places that should have 12 representatives, but is currently short of one. In many other localities, there is also a phenomenon of missing votes. That is unfortunate for the candidates, but reflects the people's choice.

As someone who has participated in the fourth term, having had the opportunity to follow the continuity of the elections, especially from a professional perspective, I can clearly see the democratic trend. But I understand that the people still demand faster, stronger, and more decisively.

- Compared to the majority of candidates, you are quite old. What is your motto to be elected by voters as a National Assembly delegate?

- I have no secret other than my actions. I don't run on promises.

14 years ago, I told voters that I did not know what the National Assembly was like, so I did not dare to make any promises, because making a promise and not being able to keep it is a taboo. I only said that I would uphold the dignity of a journalist and a historian. That is, honesty, integrity, and no deference or evasion. This time, I still maintain the same approach.

We don't need to make big, general promises, but we need to be aware of what we will do specifically for the people. Voters are increasingly demanding concrete actions.

- You have made thorny statements and questions, including mentioning the "culture of resignation" to the head of the Government. If you were "tapped on the shoulder", "called" or suggested to "be less thorny", what would you do?

- When I act, I think about my responsibility and power, and think about the people I contribute to. There has never been any negative pressure on me, but I realize that if I am straightforward and sincere, the effect will be positive.

Actually, the biggest pressure for me comes from within, not from without. I always ask myself if I am doing the right thing. If I feel it is right, there is nothing to be afraid of. For example, the time I questioned Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung about the culture of resignation. I questioned him not for personal reasons, and so I still have many good impressions of Mr. Dung. I have no interests other than the interests of voters. Of course, in life, there is sometimes deference, that is Vietnamese culture, so I think that I give my opinion but I have to say it in a way that the listener can accept it.

- How would you respond if a voter thought you were smart?

- Social awareness is different, some people even speak harshly, for example, saying that I am opportunistic. Besides, many voters also call, text, and send letters praising me. I pay attention to compliments and criticisms, but do not consider them as decisive factors. The issue is to act according to one's conscience, to fulfill one's responsibility as a representative.

Mr. Duong Trung Quoc was re-elected as a National Assembly Delegate for the fourth time.

- Some people say that recent domestic and foreign news events have partly shown how people express their political views. What do you think about this?

- Life will go on, that is an inevitable law. For example, regarding the Law on Demonstration, the previous National Assembly was ready, former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also assigned it to relevant ministries and branches, the problem is that we are slow in implementing it. My point of view is that we can only develop sustainably if the inside is warm and the outside is peaceful.

We must further strengthen internal strength, strengthen trust and solidarity, when external challenges in terms of sovereignty, sea and islands as well as the economy are increasingly greater. This is the time for the Vietnamese people to unite even more. Of course, to do that, the State must be the core, if society is distracted, it will be dangerous.

- You once said that low or high votes for officials are normal. What do you think if the election and approval of leadership positions in the state apparatus at the first session of the new National Assembly (July) can maintain such an approach?

- It should be considered normal. A politician must have his own point of view. The more he does, the more he can reveal elements that a part of the population, a part of the voters, does not like. But if the election rate is more than half, it can be considered a success.

Of course, vote shares carry messages. Low votes are a reminder that the recipient of low votes should try harder. We should analyze each specific case, which is essential to show what the votes convey.

The recent personnel restructuring has given us the necessary time to evaluate new personnel. I will expand a bit, for example, Secretary Dinh La Thang in Ho Chi Minh City, there are different opinions, but at least he is the one who is involved. Once involved, one must take responsibility for what one does, not hide in the collective, and it forces everyone to show their support or disapproval.

I appreciate people of action and I am a person of action.

According to VNE