HCMC – The fight against corruption is a tough and long-term struggle; it is a ceaseless drive and there are no restrictions, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong said at a press conference on February 1 after the 13th National Party Congress wrapped up.
Answering a question about the plans of the Politburo, the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and the Party General Secretary to continue the fight against corruption, Trong said anticorruption is a huge issue not only in Vietnam but across all countries and territories, not only in this new era but for years, the local media reported.
Those having power and position are easy to corrupt and more likely to get involved in group interests, he added.
“The anticorruption drive started in 2013, when I was appointed as head of the central steering committee for corruption prevention and control. Since then, many cases have been addressed, multiple officials have been imprisoned and a huge volume of assets has been taken back,” Trong said.
He stressed that the fight would continue and be harder. It is completely a humane act.
Heavy punishments on some officials will help warn, educate and prevent others from committing the same violations.
The leader reiterated that the fight against corruption is complicated and difficult. It cannot succeed without a firm stand and determination. According to him, honor is the most meaningful and valuable.
Trong, 77, was among the special cases introduced for re-election to the 13th Party Central Committee even though he exceeded the age limit according to existing regulations.
Answering a question about his health, he said he was not feeling very well and his age was also high. He also suggested leaving the position. However, as a Party member, he must comply with the election of the Party Central Committee.
He was also worried as his missions would be bigger and more complicated and his health was an important factor to be able to execute his work.
He said he would try his best but the anticorruption drive requires the unity of the Party and the people.
