Lessons on overcoming everyday temptations.

Seventy-six years ago, in his work "Revising Working Methods" (October 1947), President Ho Chi Minh warned: "Within our Party, there are still people who have not learned or practiced the four words 'selfless dedication and impartiality,' and therefore suffer from individualism. Individualism is like a very poisonous germ; it gives rise to very dangerous diseases." He clearly pointed out the specific manifestations of these diseases: greed, laziness, arrogance, vanity, lack of discipline, narrow-mindedness, parochialism, and a leader-centric mentality...

Regarding the disease of greed, Uncle Ho analyzed: “Those afflicted with this disease place their own interests above the interests of the Party and the nation, thus only acting selfishly, using public funds for private purposes. They rely on the Party's power to pursue their own goals. They live lavishly and spend recklessly. Where does that money come from? If not from the Party, then from the people. They even engage in black market smuggling. They are not afraid of losing the Party's reputation, nor are they afraid of losing their own prestige.”... Reflecting on Uncle Ho's teachings, even today, in the context of a market economy and deep integration, their value remains intact.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong delivered a speech at the Mid-term Conference of the 13th Central Committee.

At the National Conference of Cadres to thoroughly understand and implement the conclusions and regulations of the Central Committee on strengthening Party building and rectification, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong clearly stated that every cadre and Party member, especially leading and managing cadres at all levels, particularly those in leadership positions, must set an example and proactively take the lead. Based on this resolution, conclusion, and regulation, it is necessary to seriously self-criticize, review, and examine oneself, one's unit, and one's family; to promote what is good, to correct shortcomings, and to cleanse and correct what is bad. Every Party member must do this, not just stand aside and judge or "wait and see," considering themselves blameless.

The General Secretary emphasized that self-criticism and criticism sessions need to be meticulously prepared, carefully and strictly supervised; conducted seriously and cautiously; and carried out thoroughly, achieving concrete and substantive results. It is crucial to avoid superficiality, perfunctory actions, and formality. Overcome the tendency towards leniency and favoritism, even turning self-criticism and criticism meetings into occasions for flattery and mutual praise; and prevent the exploitation of these occasions for infighting and undermining each other with ulterior motives. Strictly punish cases of suppressing criticism and falsely accusing others...

Looking back at recent major cases, where the defendants previously held important positions in the Party and State apparatus, public opinion often has multiple perspectives. Firstly, regarding the criminal act, public opinion focuses on the amount of money and the methods these defendants used to embezzle, corrupt, and profit from their positions. Secondly, it considers their attitude and lifestyle: are they bureaucratic, arrogant, detached from the people, and domineering, accumulating wealth to fund a decadent lifestyle, or are these merely temporary violations, crimes committed due to circumstances beyond their control, behavioral transgressions rather than moral or ethical failures? Thirdly, it considers the public's attitude towards the defendants: are they genuinely remorseful, regretful, and saddened by the years they allowed individualism to become a "toxic virus"?

A meeting of the Central Steering Committee on preventing and combating corruption and negative practices.

On the afternoon of April 18, 2023, the first-instance criminal trial of defendant Nguyen Quang Tuan (former Director of Hanoi Heart Hospital, also known as Tuan "Tim") and 11 accomplices for the crime of "Violating bidding regulations causing serious consequences" concluded its debate phase. Given the opportunity to speak his final words, defendant Nguyen Quang Tuan offered his apologies and expressed: "Immediately after the wrongdoing occurred at Hanoi Heart Hospital, I felt deeply remorseful. My actions have hurt them and affected the reputation of both hospitals." Speaking about himself, Mr. Tuan recounted that although he passed the entrance exam to Hanoi Medical University and met the qualifications to study abroad, he chose to join the army. He then received medical training and specialized in cardiology. During his career, he was sent to the United States, France, and several other countries in the region, acquiring advanced cardiovascular intervention techniques to transfer modern technology back to Vietnam for medical treatment...

Following the case, it's clear that, unlike many other defendants in court, Mr. Tuan "Tim" received significant sympathy and support from the public. They expressed regret that a talented doctor, a mentor in the medical profession, and someone who had done so much good, had to serve a prison sentence. However, many also affirmed that the court's sentence of only 3 years was very humane, taking into account many mitigating circumstances, and that Dr. Tuan, like other doctors, should learn from this: the greater the talent and the higher the honor, the more one must abide by the law and not allow material interests to manipulate them.

In the late afternoon of June, the Military Court of Hanoi allowed the defendant, former Lieutenant General and Commander of the Coast Guard Nguyen Van Son, to make his final statement. Standing before the witness stand, Mr. Son admitted to the charges as the mastermind, stating that he made a mistake "in a moment of weakness." "I feel guilty towards the people, my homeland, and my family. My wrongdoing has wasted a lot of time for the prosecuting authorities and implicated others. Although the court has not yet pronounced its verdict, my conscience has already done so, and I will never forgive this mistake," said former Commander Nguyen Van Son, adding that he had served in the military for 40 years and currently suffers from many illnesses, hoping the court would consider leniency so he could return to his family and community soon.

Former Coast Guard Political Commissar Hoang Van Dong shared that he "deeply regrets having dedicated 42 years of service, and now, as he is about to retire, he has committed a crime and is facing criminal prosecution. The defendant feels heartbroken by the mistakes he has made and hopes that the court will consider mitigating his sentence so that he can return to his family and society soon." Former Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Bui Trung Dung also expressed his sorrow and regret, having served in the military for over 44 years, being the second generation in his family to serve in the army, and his son being the third generation, but who resigned from the service after his father's arrest. "The loss to my family and relatives from this case is immense. I hope the court will apply the relevant legal policies to grant me leniency..."

Commenting on forums and social media, some people argued that those who dare to do something must dare to bear the consequences. Having committed serious violations and embezzled such a large sum of state money, the defendants must be held accountable and receive severe legal penalties; there can be no justification. However, many also expressed sympathy and shared understanding for the defendants' circumstances, acknowledging their contributions as leaders in the Coast Guard, but realizing that they succumbed to temptation, losing themselves and damaging the reputation of the force. This serves as a cautionary tale and a preventative measure for the future.

Criminal procedural law stipulates that the defendant is entitled to make a final statement before the court after the conclusion of the arguments. Reflecting more deeply, behind every case, behind the criminal act and the punishment of the law, lies a profound warning and awakening. The words of one person serve as a wake-up call to many, a warning to those who are treading that path, sitting atop fame and power, to reflect and consider their own actions, and not to fall into the "wrong path" as the defendant did.

When we talk about illness, about the plight of elderly parents and young children, about our homeland and family, about the desire to "anchor in our hometown," that's when people return to their true selves – when they are down on their luck, that's the place they naturally need to return to, like when hungry children fall into their mother's arms. Therefore, from recent high-profile cases, from the "firefighting campaign" with its strict and fair verdicts, from the defendants' remorse before the court, we can draw cautionary lessons, learn to value honor, follow what is right, and overcome the temptations of everyday life...

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