A well-known prof. talks of power and responsibility of Gov’t and PM

Professor Vũ Khiêu (full name: Đặng Vũ Khiêu, born in 1916), is a well-known scholar-researcher specializing in Vietnamese culture. He was the first President of the Việt Nam Social Science Academy. He was the author and co-author of about 60 books on philosophy, ethics, literature, arts, culture, sociology, and poetry. He was awarded with the Hồ Chí Minh Prize in 1996 and the 1st-grade Independence Medal in 2006. He was conferred the title “Hero of Labor” in 2000.

Prof. Vũ Khiêu (Prof.): I am pleased with recent achievements of our country. Generally, I agree with the report presented by the PM at the National Assembly sitting session. The report highlights our country’s achievements while pointing out weaknesses in management work. The report was thoroughly considered by NA deputies and many of them raised questions for the Cabinet members, from the PM, Deputy PMs to leaders of ministries and State agencies. Though some deputies stressed shortcomings and weaknesses relating to the Government’s performance, the majority of them recognized fundamental results gained by the Government.

R: What is your assessment of the performance of the Government and the State apparatus as a whole?

Prof.: The Government’s performance is in line with the interrelationship of the Party’s leadership, State’s management and people’s mastership. Thus, it is possible to say that the Government’s performance is also the outcomes of the close relationship between the Government and the Part, between the Government and the people. Nowadays, in managing the country, the PM takes the major responsibility and he is also a member of the Party’s Politburo. This is an advantage which helps the PM maintain regular contacts with the Politburo and easily collect and make use of the Politburo’s common opinions. Conversely, the Politburo can also have an insight in the Government’s operations. So, the Government’s achievements are also those of the Party, and the Government’s responsibility is closely attached to the Party’s.

Right after presenting a socio-economic report to the National Assembly on October 20, 2010, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng tours the central province of Hà Tĩnh where he visits and encourages local victims of the severe floods

Prof.: Sorry, I can’t do that because I don’t know the PM’s daily activities. Only the Party and State agencies at all echelons which have direct contacts to the PM will make accurate assessment. However, in my opinions, the PM takes the top responsibility for the Government’s performance, so the Government’s success or failure must be attributed to the PM, first and foremost.

To assess a State or one of heads of state, it is necessary to base on the two following criteria:

1. To the country: What they do to promote the national development?

2. To people: What they do to bring well-being, freedom and happiness to people?

To meet these criteria, we should follow President Hồ Chí Minh’s teaching: “Loyal to the country, dutiful to people, complete all assignments, overcome all difficulties, and defeat all enemies.”

I strong believe that the PM never forgets Uncle Hồ’s teaching. However, the PM’s performance is not easy. Some NA deputy questioned why the PM does not dismiss his inferiors who commit wrongdoings. I think that the Japanese PM can do that thanks to Japan’s regulations. Meanwhile, in Việt Nam, late PM Võ Văn Kiệt once said “With my power, I cannot dismiss a communal-level chairperson who makes a mistake.”

Việt Nam expects to see a GDP growth rate of 6.7% in 2010

R: Does PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng meet all requirements as taught by Uncle Hồ?

Prof.: In 2010, Việt Nam’s status has been considerably raised on regional and international arenas. Commendable outcomes of ASEAN Summits Plus, ASEAN Regional Forum Meetings on economy, culture and society, Việt Nam’s ASEAN Chairmanship and AIPA Presidency, and the hosting of the World Economic Forum on East Asia were highly valued in domestic and international opinions. International integration has been sped up with practical and positive results. Việt Nam’s higher international prestige and status are bringing about favorable conditions and resources for socio-economic development, national construction and protection. I think that the PM has made great contributions to these achievements of our Party, State and political apparatus.

Over the past time, watching external activities on TV, we can recognize PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng’s active role and dignity in front of any head of states or well-known politicians of the world, showcasing Việt Nam’s rising position. In the context, I agree with many people that PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng is possibly a person who is keeping with the era’s development trends and meeting requirements of the country and people.

R: Thank you very much.