VietNamNet Bridge – In the fight against corruption, it is imperative to have co-ordination in the political system, Government Chief Inspector Tran Van Truyen told Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Vietnam Economic Times).

The Party Central Committee considers corruption a major threat to the nation. What are you most concerned about?

In addition, services provided by government officials and officers were inefficient and of low quality, which made people inside business circles anxious.

Many world organisations have also complained about rampant corruption that occurred in many sectors and at different levels.

I agree with the government's conclusion that in 2010 some progress was achieved in the fight against corruption, yet corruption has become more serious and complex.

What is holding back the anti-corruption campaign, both subjectively and objectively?

Objectively speaking, our country is undergoing policy reform. Several weaknesses are now visible, particularly concerning natural resources, including mineral resources, the equitisation of state owned enterprises and the financial market.

In addition, Viet Nam is not a rich country, so we cannot offer high salaries to government officers, civil servants or public employees.

Subjectively speaking, some of our policies are not comprehensive or transparent enough.

The State's governance capacity and the government's management of the economy need to be improved. Co-ordination between the political system and the government must be consolidated to effectively fight corruption.

So what anti-corruption activities are planned for 2011?

Several measures were mentioned in the documents that were presented at the 11th National Party Congress. In these documents, top priority is given to preventive measures, particularly in areas concerning socio-economic management.

With respect to Government Inspection, we have proposed many measures that aim to prevent and fight corruption. But in my opinion, the first thing we have to focus on is how to consolidate an anti-corruption institution. We also need to change how law enforcement officials are educated in tandem with upholding the responsibility endowed to leaders at all levels.

You have emphasised the pivotal factor of "transparency and accountability." What measures will be employed to ensure that transparency and accountability will be practised in 2011?

During our inspection mission this year, we will focus on transparency and accountability in government bodies and agencies.

In addition, we will order all government officials and civil servants to declare their assets. We hope through their asset declaration, we'll be able to detect any suspected acts of corruption. We'll take other measures to check if self declarations are right.

What expectations do you have of the Party Central Committee's anti-corruption activities in 2011?

The new Party CC has a lot of work to do this year, yet I want them to focus on building a socialist state ruled by law that has good institutions in place to ensure the people's right to democracy.

In addition, I also want further decentralisation to take place to enable law enforcement officers to perform their duties more efficiently.

Serious cases of corruption and waste have reeked havoc on our economy. In my opinion, the strict implementation of the principle of democratic centralisation and good state governance provide a firm foundation to anti-corruption activities.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News