Hanoi (VNA) -𒉰 Delegates and voters nationwide have been impressed by the 14th National Assembly that continuously conducted reforms and flexibly adapted to the latest situation to raise its operational quality, towards a professional legislature.

The 14th NA (2016-2021 tenure) has achieved successes across spheres, from law making, supervision and decision-making on important national matters to parliamentary diplomacy. As from the fifth session, the legislature has switched strongly from reports and speeches to debates, which have been appreciated by deputies, voters and people nation, and contributed to these successes.

Breakthroughs in Q&A session

During the term, the question-and-answer session was shortened as each deputy is allowed to raise questions within one minute, while ministries and heads of agencies must clear up the queries for no more than three minutes with concise and straight answers. The new method helped to heat up the atmosphere of NA meetings, reflecting democracy in activities of the legislative body. It is noteworthy that through the session, voters can supervise the performance of NA deputies as well as the fulfillment of responsibilities of ministers and heads of agencies. Pham Ngoc Mai, a voter from Van Bao ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, described the reform as a “new wind” blowing through the Vietnamese legislature. NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office Nguyen Hanh Phuc said many deputies engaged in debates with their peers and Cabinet members on certain issues. Moreover, questions raised have covered a variety of fields and touched upon issues of the concern of deputies and voters. Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam, a deputy from Ho Chi Minh City, said the 14th tenure is a success as legislators have dealt with hot issues, matching public’s aspirations. They have demonstrated their frankness and sense of responsibility during the term. Echoing Tam’s views, Major General Dang Ngoc Nghia lauded the quality of opinions, which, he said, covered the NA’s three functions of law issuance, decision-making on important national matters, and supervision.

Diplomatic hallmarks

During the 14th NA, Vietnam successfully hosted the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26), the AIPA Presidency Year 2020 and the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-41). These events have mirrored the role and mettle of the Vietnamese legislature, and have been seen as milestones created by the 14th NA during the 75-year journey of the Vietnamese legislature. Themed “Parliamentary Partnership: Peace, Innovation, and Sustainable Development,” the APPF-26, held in Hanoi from January 18-22, adopted 14 resolutions, amended the mechanism of the APPF Meeting of Women Parliamentarians, and issued a joint statement and the Hanoi Declaration. Former President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Saber Chowdhury said the Vietnamese NA had successfully performed its representative and supervising role over the past time. The four-day event marked a new development period in parliamentary ties in Asia-Pacific, for a region of peace, innovation, sustainable development and high adaptability. It also promoted the image of a dynamic and active Vietnamese legislature, while reflecting the confidence and appreciation of other APPF member parliaments towards the Vietnamese NA and people. Last year, the Vietnamese NA outstandingly performed its AIPA Presidency. Notably, it hosted the AIPA-41 in the context of the COVID-19 spreading around the world. The success of the unprecedented meeting in the history of the AIPA has encouraged other AIPA member parliaments to join hands in the pandemic combat./.