The arrest of Dinh La Thang, former Chairman of the Member Council of PetroVietnam (PVN) drew public attention, with widespread support for the anti-corruption efforts of the Party and its General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Dinh La Thang

Thang, currently a member of the Party Central Committee and deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, was arrested on December 8 for investigations into two serious economic cases. Thang was also Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee from 2016 to 2017.

The Politburo banned Thang from Party-related activities from December 8, 2017 and suspended his membership of the National Assembly.

Criminal proceedings have been launched against the former official.

Nguyen Van Niem, a war veteran in Thanh Xuan district of Hanoi commented that the detention of Thang made Party members confident in anti-corruption work, as it means there are no sacred cows in eliminating corruption, abuse of power and vested interests.

Lauding the Party and State’s moves, Dr. Quach Thi Ngoc An from the National University of Art Education said that the Party and State are working to purify the Party organisation, with positive results.

But An said that this is just only first step as group interests, red tape and wastefulness are still common, requiring strong spirit and determination, as well as “iron hands” to cleanse the whole system.

Lauding the decision to arrest and prosecute Thang, Pham Ngoc Huyen, a lecturer from the Banking Academy said that from the media she has learnt hesitation in fighting corruption is still seen in some officials, especially at lower levels.

“Our country is still facing many difficulties. I hope that national leaders will work hard to seek solutions to bring a prosperous and happy life to the people,” added Huyen.

Colonel Tran Trong Kinh, a former defence official residing in Tan Binh district, Ho Chi Minh City, asserted that the fight against corruption is tough, but the recent handling of many corrupt officials is a sign of progress, reinforcing the confidence of people and Party members nationwide.

Sharing Kinh’s opinion, Phan Minh Hue, a Ho Chi Minh City resident, expressed delight at the outcomes of anti-corruption work recently, but stressed that the efforts must be continued and stepped up.

Meanwhile, Duong Anh Duc, a Party member in District 11 of Ho Chi Minh City, stated that fairness is key in the Party. Anti-corruption acts have been more practical and effective, he said, stressing that only by purifying the management system, can the country develop.

“The case of Thang is a lesson for all officials and Party members nationwide,” held Duc.-VNA