NA deputies reach partial concensus over constitution amendments

They praised the revisions for being carefully and seriously prepared and reflecting the aspirations of people from all walks of life.

However, they proposed making a few changes before the National Assembly (NA) votes for the final version at the end of its ongoing session.

Regarding regulations on NA operations, many deputies agreed that the NA Standing Committee should not have the authority to dictate tasks for NA committees as regulated by the draft constitution.

Deputy Phung Van Hung from Central Highlands Gia Lai province said that regulation would limit the active and independent operation of NA committees and proposed that the Standing Committee instead co-operate with NA committees to examine draft laws.

As for land retrieval amendments, many deputies agreed with the draft revisions that land revocation should only be approved for essential reasons relating to national defense, security, socio-economic development or the public interest.

However, deputies Nguyen Thanh Phuong from the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and Ma Dien Cu from central Quang Ngai province said clearer regulations on this issue were necessary, particularly when it came to the problem of land compensation.

Deputy Danh Ut from Mekong Delta Kien Giang province said land revocation must be carried out transparently and publicly and must ensure the interests of land users.

Many deputies said it was necessary to affirm the key role the State-owned economic sector plays in the economy as a whole.

Deputy Tran Minh Dieu from central Quang Binh province said the State-owned economic sector has consistently been a backbone of the economy, particularly during the world economic crisis.

“The State-owned economy helps create conditions for the economy to develop. Although shortcomings remain in management, operation, business and production, it is still necessary to strengthen the role of this sector in the constitution”, he said.

Most depities agreed on the need to acknowledge the role of trade unions in protecting the rights and interests of workers as well as inspecting and supervising State agencies, organisations, units and businesses.

Deputy Ma Dien Cu from central Quang Ngai province said the regulation would promote the role of working class and trade unions at all levels in the national industrialisation and modernisation process.

As for local governments, Deputy Pham Xuan Thuong from northern Thai Binh province said it is necessary to detail the levels on which such administrative bodies should be established.

“Too many local governments would cause the legal system to lack unity”, he said.

Deputy Nguyen Hong Son from Hanoi said the organisation of these administrations must be in line with local conditions and will thus vary for urban, rural and island areas.