HCMC – Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed amending Decree 138/2020/ND-CP of the Government in a way that allows for the temporary suspension of civil servants who show little or no sense of responsibility or fail to perform their assigned duties, local media reported.
The draft amendments outline five specific situations for suspension. Civil servants may be suspended for ethical violations that spark public outrage or damage the organization’s reputation. Harassment and corruption, causing inconveniences to citizens or businesses, will also result in suspension.
According to the draft decree, officials who deliberately push decisions up the chain of command or avoid doing their job, especially if under disciplinary review, will face suspension. The decree also targets those negatively influencing the disciplinary process.
Suspension will apply to civil servants already disciplined by the Party and awaiting government action if their continued work negatively affects operations at their organizations.
The decree allows for suspension based on recommendations from inspection, audit, or legal authorities.
Suspension authority lies with the competent authority. The suspension period is up to 15 days, extendable only in complex cases. For external recommendations, the suspension duration follows the recommending body’s suggestion.
The review process involves swift action. Within two days of identifying grounds for suspension, the relevant department must verify and report to the competent authorities. The head of the organization then has two days to decide on the suspension.
If a suspension is unjustified or the civil servant is cleared, the decision must be rescinded within three days, and relevant authorities must be informed.
