Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly, Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong argued this point before VOVNews reporters in a recent New Year meeting. Following are questions and answers.

Q: Which NA activities last year you think were the most useful?

A: Last year, the NA made much progress in its meetings with voters. As a result, voters’ awareness was strengthened. Many voters endeavoured to meet the NA chairman, NA agencies and deputies in person to raise concrete issues. It shows that they trusted in the NA and their elected deputies. That is why, it is very necessary for NA deputies to meet with voters any time in any place, not just twice a year as scheduled. In the past, only invited “professional voters” attended these meetings. Recently, more voters who were not invited and who came from different locations have attended these meetings.

The NA also received many straight forward, wise and constructive suggestions for macro-economic issues.

Q: Reality requires a sufficient number of laws but their quality must be ensured. In order to meet both requirements, the law-making process must be renewed, right?

A: Certainly! A law on the Issuance of Legal Documents that came in force in Jan. 1, 2009 created good conditions for the NA to improve the quality of its laws. Any bills which do not meet the requirements will be withdrawn. There was a bill submitted to the 5^th NA meeting but it was not passed. It was amended and submitted to the 6^th meeting but again was not passed. Finally, it was withdrawn. In its 5^th meeting, the NA intended to pass 12 bills, but after discussion, it could pass only 11 bills. In its 6^th meeting, it expected to pass 8 bills, but it could move on only 7.

In 2009, the NA discussed 36 bills under strict procedures. Reality is the final test of the usefulness of any law. We are happy that all the laws have been effectively enforced and have helped promote socio-economic development.

Q: Voters see the NA realising its inspection function through actual changes. How does it make these changes?

A: Last year, the National Assembly’s Q&A sessions were conducted in a more effective manner. All questions were supported by members of the public. A specific resolution was issued after each Q&A session. After these sessions, Government Ministries addressed voters’ questions through their actions.

For example, voters questioned why the Government approved the construction of so many golf courses. After that, relevant agencies had to handle the issue and finally they reduced the number of golf-courts to only 89, or just over half the original number. In another case, after answering voters’ questions concerning Road 32 on the 3^rd Belt, the Minister of Transport went to work with Hanoi immediately to settle the issue. I always asked NA deputies in their meetings with voters if they addressed the issues raised in the previous meeting and how they did it. This way or working won voters’ support because they saw the effect of their questions. It is necessary to clarify the issue raised by voters and find out the cause, responsibility and solution. This is the highest objective of the NA’s inspection function.

Q: The NA has directed important national projects and these projects have proved effective. It shows that the NA had to strictly follow reality and carefully discuss matters before making a decision. What is your comment?

A: In 2009, important national issues were substantially discussed. The NA had to work hard before making their final decision. For example, the Government submitted to the NA a proposal for budget overspending of less than 8% in 2009. However, the NA only approved 7%. In the recent NA meeting, the Government reported having gone over budget by only 6,9% in 2009. In its submission to the NA’s 6^th meeting, the Government expected to have an overspending of 6,5% in 2010. After discussion, the NA decided to limit the issue of Government bonds and agreed on 6%. Finally, it allowed an overspending of 6,2%. These decisions show that the NA deputies’ working standard has been improved and they have worked in a real, democratic manner.

NA agencies, particularly verification agencies, work very hard in the evening, on Saturdays and Sundays. However, we should frankly say that much remains that could not be done in 2009. The NA has no choice but to continue renewing itself.

Q: According to an agreement between the NA office and Radio The Voice of Vietnam, Q&A sessions were broadcast by VOV in a series of radio and TV programmes. What do you think about it?

A: I have listened to and seen many radio and TV programmes on Q&A sessions. I have told VOV General Director Vu Van Hien that this was a good initiative. You have done a good job. With its wide coverage, only VOV can update and transmit the information to the people across country, particularly those in remote and inaccessible areas, in the fastest way.

NA activities have been sufficiently transmitted. The programmes are very lively, interesting and widely covered. I highly value this VOV programme which will serve as a base for other mass media agencies to set up NA Q&A programmes. I appreciate VOV and hope that it will further promote its strength to improve its programmes and be a bridge linking voters with the NA and vice versa.

Many important national events will take place in 2010. To mark the New Year, I would like to, through the VOV, thank and wish all voters and people in the country a happy and successful year./.