The Government Inspectorate has announced that the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and municipal agencies involved in the new Thu Thiem urban area construction project have committed wrongdoing. This is one of many economic offenses brought to light in recent years.
Major corruption cases uncovered
The Government Inspectorate said that since the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption was established 6 years ago, many major corruption cases have been prosecuted and corrupt assets have been confiscated. Corrupt officials face strict punishment under the law. These stringent measures have deterred people from committing wrongdoing or violating the law, which bolster political stability, socio-economic development, and public trust.
The Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission has disclosed severe corruption cases and asked the Politburo and the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat to discipline organizations and individuals who are incumbent or former senior leaders of the Party and State. At the same time, State agencies take punitive measures similar to the Party’s. Trial procedures have been reformed towards greater publicity, transparency, and democracy and all are equal before law.
Strengthened legal framework prevents corruption
In addition to the Party’s strict discipline, the 2018 Anti-corruption Law is helpful in deterring people from committing corrupt acts. Upgraded from the 2005 version, the new law stipulates that those who must declare their assets and income include state employees, police and army officers, officials at deputy head of division level in public agencies and state-owned enterprises, representatives of State capital in enterprises, and candidates for the National Assembly and People’s Councils. Assets to be declared include land, houses, and construction projects. The declaration should be publicized at the official’s work place. According to the new law, the leaders of an agency in which corruption occurs are to be held accountable.
Corruption will continue to plague Vietnam and many other countries around the world unless resolute and effective measures are taken.