Hanoi (VNA) – The arrest of Dinh La Thang, former Chairmanof the Member Council of PetroVietnam (PVN) drew public attention, withwidespread support for the anti-corruption efforts of the Party and its GeneralSecretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Thang, currently a member of the Party Central Committee and deputy headof the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, was arrested on December8 for investigations into two serious economic cases. Thang was also Secretaryof the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee from 2016 to 2017.

The Politburo banned Thang from Party-related activities from December8, 2017 and suspended his membership of the National Assembly.

Criminal proceedings have been launched against the former official.

Nguyen Van Niem, a war veteran in Thanh Xuan district of Hanoi commentedthat the detention of Thang made Party members confident in anti-corruptionwork, as it means there are no sacred cows in eliminating corruption, abuse ofpower and vested interests.

Lauding the Party and State’s moves, Dr. Quach Thi Ngoc An from the NationalUniversity of Art Education said that the Party and State are working to purifythe Party organisation, with positive results.

But An said that this is just only first step as group interests, redtape and wastefulness are still common, requiring strong spirit anddetermination, as well as “iron hands” to cleanse the whole system.

Lauding the decision to arrest and prosecute Thang, Pham Ngoc Huyen, alecturer from the Banking Academy said that from the media she has learnt hesitationin fighting corruption is still seen in some officials, especially at lowerlevels.

“Our country is still facing many difficulties. I hope that nationalleaders will work hard to seek solutions to bring a prosperous and happy lifeto the people,” added Huyen.

Colonel Tran Trong Kinh, a former defence official residing in Tan Binhdistrict, Ho Chi Minh City, asserted that the fight against corruption istough, but the recent handling of many corrupt officials is a sign of progress,reinforcing the confidence of people and Party members nationwide.

Sharing Kinh’s opinion, Phan Minh Hue, a Ho Chi Minh City resident,expressed delight at the outcomes of anti-corruption work recently, butstressed that the efforts must be continued and stepped up.

Meanwhile, Duong Anh Duc, a Party member in District 11 of Ho Chi MinhCity, stated that fairness is key in the Party. Anti-corruption acts have beenmore practical and effective, he said, stressing that only by purifying themanagement system, can the country develop.

“The case of Thang is a lesson for all officials and Party membersnationwide,” held Duc.-VNA