Hanoi should set an example in the fight against corruption, for which every district, communes, and the people have to join hands in this process.

Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong and leaders of Hanoi during the meeting. Photos: Tri Dung

“Corruption should not happen in the capital’s apparatus," General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong stressed the view during a meeting between National Assembly deputies of Hanoi with voters in districts of Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hai Ba Trung on October 15.

According to Trong, the Party and the State have been taking drastic measures to address the issues.

“State officials regardless of their position once committing violations would be strictly dealt with, especially those of interest groups with powers in their hands,” he continued.

The Party chief stressed that the fight against corruption and bribery must continue and be carried out in a persistent, resolute and humane manner.

"Authorities are working on major cases to bring those responsible to justice, including past unsanctioned violations that have caused serious impacts on the Party's credibility," Trong added.

“The disciplinary process against officials in these situations strictly complied with Party and State regulations,” he said, noting the main goal is to serve as a warning and deterrence to others.

Voters at the meeting.

“There is no pleasure in penalizing comrades, but for the overall good,” Trong added.

He also noted the anti-corruption movement has been fully supported by the people and urged the public to be aware of the act of distorting the truth from hostile forces, which could undermine the ongoing efforts.

He referred to the recent dismissal of three members from the 13th Party Central Committee and noted this is a significant move in combating corruption.

"The long-term goal is to make officials not dare, not able and not willing to commit corruption. The Party and the State will continue wage reform to improve the living standards of officials," Trong said.

Overview of the meeting.

Voters call for stricter measures against corruption

At the meeting, voters from the three districts expressed their strong support for the ongoing drive against corruption, which help regain public confidence in the Party and the State.

Voter Hoang Minh Ban from Truong Dinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, proposed the NA and the Government provide effective measures in supervising those in power.

"There have been cases of state officials who have abused their powers or engaged in inappropriate conduct in dealing with the public," Ban said.

Voter Vuong Huu Phu (Vinh Phuc Ward, Ba Dinh District) called on NA deputies to be more active in their supervision role in identifying and tackling corruption cases in localities.

Meanwhile, voter Nguyen Anh Dung (Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District), noted one of the main reasons for the raising number of corruption cases was due to the slow progress in salary reform in the public sector.

“The current salary level is insufficient for  public officials, especially those at ward- and commune-levels, to make ends meet, and has not been able to be the motivation for them to enhance the efficiency and improve productivity. These are also the reason for petty corruption or waste,” Dung said.

Dung called for the NA to consider accelerating the salary reform process while taking into consideration the country’s resources.