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'Integrity': The virtue needed to overcome fear of mistakes and responsibility
🇻🇳 Vietnam /Elections & Politics

'Integrity': The virtue needed to overcome fear of mistakes and responsibility

From Thanh Niên · () Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • The concept of 'Chính' (Integrity/Righteousness) is crucial for guiding actions ethically, especially in the current development phase.
  • Vietnamese Communist Party directives emphasize shifting from 'awareness' to 'practical action' in learning and practicing Ho Chi Minh's ideology.
  • 'Chính' is defined as righteousness, honesty, and uprightness, serving as a measure of a cadre's mettle, innovative thinking, and sense of duty.
  • A recent report indicated some officials avoid responsibility and lack the courage to innovate, demonstrating a deficiency in 'Chính'.

The Vietnamese concept of 'Chính,' translating to integrity, righteousness, or uprightness, is presented as a fundamental virtue essential for ethical conduct and effective governance. While 'Cần' (Diligence), 'Kiệm' (Frugality), and 'Liêm' (Honesty) shape a person's character and capabilities, 'Chính' acts as the moral compass, ensuring actions align with ethical principles.

Recent directives, such as Directive No. 07-CT/TW from the Politburo, urge a transition from mere 'awareness' to 'practical action' in studying and applying President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, methods, and style. In this new phase, 'Chính' is no longer an abstract ideal but a tangible standard for assessing the courage, innovative thinking, and public service responsibility of every Party member and cadre.

Righteousness is not crooked; it means being straightforward and upright.

— Ho Chi MinhDefining the concept of 'Chính' (Integrity/Righteousness).

President Ho Chi Minh described 'Chính' as "righteousness is not crooked; it means being straightforward and upright." He further elaborated that while diligence, frugality, and honesty are the roots, integrity provides the complete structure, like a tree needing branches and leaves. Without 'Chính,' even diligent, frugal, and honest individuals may fall short. It represents the pursuit of good, transforming inner qualities into transparent societal service, pushing back against corruption and injustice.

The article notes that guidance on practicing 'Chính' remains relevant today, focusing on three aspects: self-improvement through continuous progress and self-criticism, treating others with sincerity and solidarity, and prioritizing national duties over personal interests. However, a 10-year review of implementing Directive 05-CT/TW revealed that some officials exhibit avoidance and shirking of responsibility, lacking the courage for innovation, clear signs of a deficit in 'Chính.' This reluctance to tackle difficult tasks or face danger undermines effective governance and public trust.

Diligence, frugality, and honesty are the roots. But a tree needs roots, as well as branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit to be complete.

— Ho Chi MinhExplaining the relationship between other virtues and 'Chính'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Thanh Niên in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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