It's all about the money!

(Baonghean)The debate over whether or not Vietnam should host the 2019 Asian Games is becoming increasingly heated in forums and the media. Those asked all agree that Vietnam is a poor country and shouldn't be so extravagant. And what many people are most concerned about is: Why is the Vietnamese Ministry of Sports and Culture so enthusiastic about hosting the Asian Games?

The enthusiasm was so great that people were willing to "deceive" public opinion and even the Government. Specifically, in the bid proposal to host the 2019 Asian Games, made in 2011, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism estimated a total budget of 5,155 billion VND (nearly 300 million USD), of which 4,979 billion VND (96%) came from the state budget. However, when rejected by the Ministry of Finance on the grounds that the 4,979 billion VND budget was a burden on the State, this figure was only an estimate, the actual cost would be much higher, and it was suggested that hosting should not be done until Vietnam's economic conditions allowed.

Immediately, the detailed plan for hosting the event underwent a dizzying transformation. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism magically reduced the budget from 5,155 billion VND to 3,000 billion VND (150 million USD). Simultaneously, the budget allocation was reduced to 28% (instead of 96%), and the social mobilization portion, previously a modest 4%, was increased to 72%. However, there was no justification for this social mobilization funding! Therefore, when the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism explained the situation to the National Assembly, it caused not only the Standing Committee of the National Assembly but the entire country to be confused and worried. Then, when reporting to the Government, the Minister reassured everyone that they were not requesting money from the central budget but from local budgets. But what difference does that make? Whether from the central or local budget, it's still budget money – tax money contributed by the people. That's just beating around the bush, talking in circles to cover up some ulterior motive.

Therefore, we must return to the question: Why does the Sports and Culture sector stubbornly and desperately pursue such a wasteful expenditure of national funds? This brings to mind the verses of Trạng Trình: "A chopping board with a foul smell attracts flies; a jar without honey and grease attracts ants." Perhaps there's some element of "foul smell and honey and grease" in this excessive enthusiasm? Because hosting the Games means a mountain of money will be poured into repairing, upgrading, and constructing facilities for the Asian Games. And where there are projects, there's bound to be kickbacks and commissions to secure contracts. Not to mention other money-making schemes like price gouging and inflated costs… So, perhaps the enhancement of the nation's prestige through hosting the Asian Games is just a pretext, a disguise. The main purpose is far more mundane. As Mr. Nghệ often says: It's all about the money!

Artisan