Delegates debated that officials were "playing both sides", what did the Minister of Home Affairs say?

On the morning of November 13, the National Assembly discussed in the hall the amended Law on Civil Servants . Clause 1, Article 13 of the draft law allows civil servants to contribute capital, participate in the management and operation of enterprises, cooperatives, hospitals, educational institutions, and non-public scientific research organizations, except in cases where the law on anti-corruption or specialized law provides otherwise.

Delegate Nguyen Thi Viet Nga ( Hai Phong delegation)

PHOTO: GIA HAN

According to delegate Nguyen Thi Viet Nga (Hai Phong delegation), this is an open regulation for civil servants, creating opportunities for civil servants to exploit and promote their capacity, taking advantage of the intelligence and expertise of civil servants in the private sector.

However, the female delegate said that along with expanding this right, it is necessary to tighten regulations on control mechanisms and anti-corruption.

"This regulation may potentially pose some risks such as conflicts of interest between positions in the public and private sectors. Especially when the official is the manager of both public and private units operating in the same field," Ms. Nga stated, explaining that this regulation can easily lead to abuse of positions in the public sector to benefit the unit they manage in the private sector.

Therefore, the Russian delegate recommended that there should be regulations that do not allow management officials to participate in the management and operation of private businesses and activities in the same field in which they work. At the same time, there should be regulations on the mechanism for declaration, transparency, supervision and accountability of capital contribution and management participation of officials in the private sector, especially for management officials.

Debating this content, delegate Tran Van Lam (Bac Ninh delegation) was concerned that allowing civil servants to do business would cause abuse of position, which is unreasonable.

"Civil servants are working very well in that field, they must be promoted to expand outside. Now we limit people from doing business in fields that are not their strengths, giving them the advantage is the same as not giving them any," Mr. Lam said.

Delegate Lam said that this is also a manifestation of the "if you can't manage it, then ban it" mindset. Because the core issue is how to establish a management mechanism in public facilities so that officials cannot take advantage.

Meanwhile, although agreeing with the regulation, delegate Pham Van Hoa (from Dong Thap) noted that there should be clear and specific conditions, "not all civil servants can sign outside work contracts".

The Dong Thap delegation commented that for officials working in the field of information technology or fields such as health and education, if given the opportunity to work outside, they will be able to utilize more of their intelligence.

However, according to him, the country currently has about 2.2 million civil servants, public employees, and officials. If civil servants only focus on working outside and not inside, it will not be effective.

Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh

PHOTO: GIA HAN

Explaining and receiving opinions at the end of the discussion session, Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh acknowledged that the majority of delegates agreed with the regulation allowing civil servants to sign labor contracts or service contracts to carry out professional activities with agencies and organizations outside the public service unit where they work.

"This regulation aims to create a connection mechanism between the public and private sectors. At the same time, it creates conditions for civil servants to increase their legitimate income through their labor," the Minister said.

In addition, delegates also expressed concern that officials must first and foremost perform well their assigned duties and tasks, and have specific mechanisms to avoid conflicts of interest and abuse of policies, affecting the transparency and reputation of the work unit.

The Minister of Home Affairs said that the drafting agency will review and revise the draft to ensure principles, create maximum conditions for officials, while still ensuring transparency, avoiding conflicts of interest and policy exploitation.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dai-bieu-tranh-luan-vien-chuc-duoc-chan-trong-chan-ngoai-bo-truong-noi-vu-noi-gi-185251113105633564.htm