Protect officials who dare to act, and firmly discipline those who refuse to work

Vietnam’s Central Organization Commission chief Nguyen Duy Ngoc says officials should be judged not only for what they do wrong, but also for what they fail to do.

“We have long focused on examining what officials did wrong. In the new period, we also need to ask another question: if something falls within your duties and authority, why did you not do it?” Ngoc said on Sept. 3 while discussing the core points of Politburo Resolution 24.

The resolution says cadres and party members must lead by example, embrace innovation, act decisively and accept responsibility for the common good. Ngoc said many officials remain committed and willing to confront difficulties, but he also pointed to people who work cautiously, fear mistakes, pass responsibility to others or avoid tasks. In some places, he said, officials cite shortcomings in the law as a reason not to make decisions.

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We have long focused on examining what officials did wrong. In the new period, we also need to ask another question: if something falls within your duties and authority, why did you not do it?

Ngoc described Resolution 24 as a shift from merely encouraging and protecting officials who think boldly and act boldly to making initiative, exemplary conduct and responsibility in action standards for officials and party members in the new era. Not every official needs a major innovation or breakthrough plan, he said, but passivity, stagnation and avoidance of responsibility cannot be accepted.

He also said protection should begin before risks occur, by creating clear conditions for officials to act responsibly, accept risk and conduct controlled experiments. Protection should not create a safe zone where officials avoid accountability. The resolution further expands responsibility from individuals to officials, organizations and leaders, making protection part of personnel management and national governance.

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Innovation, thinking boldly, acting boldly and taking responsibility are concrete expressions of leading by example under the new conditions, first and foremost for leaders, managers and heads of organizations.