No problem for Hanoi public employees to accept bribes
One out of every three would willingly accept if offered a bribe, according to a survey commissioned by the Communist Party.
Hanoi (AsiaNews/Agencies) Bribes are a welcome gift for Vietnam's public employees. A survey the first of its kind organized by the Communist Party revealed that nearly one-third (32.6%) would willingly accept them if offered. The survey results were released today; the poll was commissioned by the Party's Internal Affairs Committee and is part of an anti-corruption drive undertaken by the Party.
Conducted in seven cities and provinces, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and three ministries, the research also lists the "top ten" most corrupt government offices and institutions, with land and housing registration offices taking first place. Corruption is widespread in Vietnam and those practicing it enjoy important positions and power, are cultured and have a good grasp of the laws, so that their activities are well covered up.
The most common bribe paid is to overcome "delays" in the processing of paperwork. This proves to be a particular problem at land and housing offices where homeowners often pay extra for faster service. Traffic police, customs and tax officials were also cited as major abusers.
This week, Parliament approved the first anti-corruption law. This requires government officials and their relatives to declare their assets and it includes severe penalties for corruption. Thus, a onetime Vietcombank official, aged 31, was executed for appropriating more than four million dollars.
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27/11/2007
