Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong on February 1 expressed his determination to continue the nation’s ongoing fight against corruption, although he anticipates the next phase of the struggle will be even tougher compared to previous times. 

Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong affirms the fight against corruption
in Vietnam is not over yet, but it will be tougher in the coming time.

Addressing a press briefing on the outcomes of the 13th National Party Congress, General Secretary Trong noted that a host of notorious graft scandals have been brought to light since the anti-corruption drive was initially launched back in 2013.

“Some members of the Party Central Committee and even the Political Bureau have been imprisoned for their involvement in corruption cases, with millions of US$ and billions of VND returned to the State coffers,” he said.

He recalled the recent trials of former top leaders of both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s two largest localities, reiterating that they represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of graft scandals.

“I have said there is no break in the fight no matter whoever they are. No exception. There is no forbidden zone.”

According to the Party chief, who is also head of the National Steering Committee on Corruption Prevention and Control, the trial of notorious figures involved in corrupt activities serves as a deterrent to others as opposed to being done out of revenge.

“Everyone likes wealth, money, but honour is the most sacred, noble thing. Money cannot be brought with if someone dies.”

Noting that he expects tough times ahead, General Secretary Trong said he will try his utmost to fulfil tasks entrusted to him by the Congress, but stressed that only a united organisation will be capable of enjoying success.

Nguyen Phu Trong was re-elected to the post of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam during its 13th National Congress which took place from January 26 to February 1 in Hanoi.