National conference summarizing the work of organizing and building the Party in 2022, implementing tasks in 2023 - Photo: xaydungdang.org.vn 

There is no justification for mistakes and shortcomings, and nothing is better than avoiding them altogether. However, it must be objectively acknowledged that mistakes and shortcomings are unavoidable in the process of human activities in particular and organizations in general. President Ho Chi Minh once wrote: “Every human being has their flaws. To work means to make mistakes”(1); “with activity, it is difficult to completely avoid mistakes”(2). He also quoted V.I. Lenin’s words: “There are only two classes of people who do not make mistakes: a baby in the womb and a dead person in the coffin. In any activity, it is difficult to avoid defects”(3). For a political party, especially a leading and ruling party, bearing the great responsibilities entrusted to them by the nation and the people, and being the only, long-term, and continuous ruling party like the Communist Party of Vietnam, “saying no to mistakes and shortcomings” is unrealistic. What is crucial and decisive for the progress of each individual and the strength of each organization is the proper attitude and action toward mistakes and shortcomings.

1. Ho Chi Minh’s viewpoint on the right attitude toward mistakes and shortcomings within the Party

President Ho Chi Minh once pointed out the fundamental attitudes toward mistakes and shortcomings in the Party. The attitude of the reactionaries is to take advantage of the Party’s mistakes and shortcomings, embellish them to attack, sabotage, and lower the Party’s prestige. The attitude of speculative cadres and party members is to take advantage of the Party’s mistakes and shortcomings to achieve their own personal gains and interests. Ho Chi Minh said: “Reactionaries and speculators are enemies who sneak into the Party to cause destruction”(4). The third type of attitude is displayed by those cowardly, weak cadres who are indifferent to their own and their comrades’ mistakes and shortcomings, “letting things be, and once it’s over, it’s over”. This attitude is prevalent among subordinates toward superiors and often leads to consequences such as “speaking ill behind their backs”, and “causing resentment and disunity within the Party”, creating opportunities for reactionaries and speculative forces to exploit. The fourth attitude pertains to those who are mechanical and subjective, often “serious” about the mistakes and shortcomings of others, demanding the removal of those who make mistakes and have flaws out of the organization. If they cannot achieve this, they become disheartened and disappointed. Ho Chi Minh believed that this attitude would result in “leaving the Party with only a small and narrow-minded group because the majority will be expelled. Even those who hold such an attitude will also be expelled because they have committed the flaw of narrow-mindedness”(5).

So, what is the right attitude toward mistakes and shortcomings in the Party? President Ho Chi Minh pointed out that before mistakes and shortcomings, it is necessary to: Clearly analyze what is right and what is wrong; not under the influence of erroneous thoughts or negative elements; strive to learn and elevate good role models; not to be indifferent, but actively fight to correct shortcomings, prevent them from growing and harming the Party; not being mechanical but skillfully using criticism and self-criticism to help other comrades correct their mistakes and shortcomings, and help them improve; unite the Party through internal struggle; improve the Party’s discipline and prestige(6). He came to the conclusion: “A Party that conceals its shortcomings is a rotten Party. A Party that bravely acknowledges its shortcomings, clearly points them out, investigates the reasons behind those shortcomings, and actively seeks ways to rectify them is a progressive, brave, and genuine Party”(7). This encapsulates the scientific, revolutionary, and humanistic viewpoint of Ho Chi Minh.

The viewpoint manifests specifically follows:

Firstly, openly admitting shortcomings. In the face of individual and organizational mistakes and shortcomings, if one denies, covers up, conceals, or tries to blame others, not only will there be no progress, but the shortcomings will increase, and one’s own credibility will diminish, affecting the reputation of the organization. Ho Chi Minh affirmed: “Once you have made a mistake, even if you want to hide it, others will discover it. Remember the saying: “A horn has its mark, a wall has its ears”. An organization or government that conceals the shortcomings of its cadres is a weak, regressive one”(8). Therefore, the Party and its officials and members must have the courage and bravery to openly admit their mistakes and shortcomings within the organization and in front of the people: “Any official who dares not openly admit his/her shortcomings, fears criticism from his colleagues and the people, and lacks the courage to correct his shortcomings, is unworthy of being an official”(9).

Ho Chi Minh straightforwardly pointed out cadres who had the wrong idea that it would be harmful to publicize their shortcomings because the enemy would exploit this for counterpropaganda; it would diminish the prestige of the unions and authorities; it would make cadres who have committed mistakes lose face. They believed that mere internal criticism was sufficient. This view “is no different from being sick but afraid of medication”, the sickness won’t be cured, and the flaws won’t be rectified but may become even worse.

Secondly, identifying the causes and circumstances leading to mistakes and defects. In order to correct mistakes and defects, it is necessary to find out the root causes and both the objective as well as subjective conditions that led them. Ho Chi Minh presented a very scientific and humanistic point of view: “Completely refraining from punishment is not right. But using punishment for everything is also not right. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly distinguish the reason for the mistakes, consider carefully the severity of the situation, and apply appropriate punishment”(10).

He analyzed and identified various types of “diseases” that are both manifestations of mistakes and shortcomings, as well as causes that lead to mistakes and shortcomings of cadres and party members. These include the disease of greed (always putting personal interests above the Party’s and the nation’s interests, using public resources for personal gain, leading a luxurious and wasteful lifestyles); the disease of laziness (considering oneself as knowledgeable in everything, being reluctant to learn and think critically, avoiding difficult tasks and passing them onto others); the disease of arrogance (self-aggrandizing, craving status, loving flattery, being boastful and condescending, always wanting to be superior to others); the disease of seeking fame (self-proclaiming one’s self a hero, a great man, only interested in being prestigious titles without interest in practical work); the disease of lacking discipline (being arbitrary, criticizing to attack comrades you dislike; favoring acquaintances); the disease of narrow-mindedness (always fearing others might surpass them, and being unable to connect and cooperate with people outside the Party); the disease of parochialism (only caring about the interests of one’s own organization or locality); the disease of the cult of personality (considering oneself talented and deserving of leadership roles), the disease of “ all talk and no action” (unproductive work, bragging about achievements that are hollow upon closer inspection); the disease forming cliques (supporting and surrounding oneself with likeminded individuals, regardless of their true qualities); the disease of nearsightedness (lacking long-term vision, only focusing on minor benefits while ignoring major consequences and problems) and many other diseases such as jealousness, flattery, intimation, etc..

Thirdly, resolutely correcting mistakes and shortcomings. This is an issue that Ho Chi Minh is particularly concerned in both his ideology and practical direction. When educating patriotic young people in the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth Association about “the qualities of a revolutionary”, he asked them to “be determined to correct their own mistakes”. Later on, he reaffirmed: “We are not afraid of mistakes, but once we recognize them, we must make every effort to correct them”(11); “We are not afraid of making mistakes and shortcomings, we are only afraid of not trying to correct them”(12); “whenever we see a defect, we must resolutely correct it ourselves and help our comrades in correcting it”(13); “we are not afraid of making mistakes, we are only afraid of making mistakes without determination to correct them”(14). He used phrases such as “be determined”, “make every effort”, “try”, “resolute”, and “determined”, etc. to demand action at the highest level of cadres and party members in correcting mistakes and shortcomings. He even said that we must “emulate to correct the shortcomings and develop strengths”.

History has proven that whenever the Party adopts a revolutionary, objective, and scientific attitude toward mistakes and shortcomings as taught by President Ho Chi Minh, the Party’s prestige and trust are consolidated and it becomes increasingly stronger, achieving significant victories.

During the land reform, the Party’s Central Committee and President Ho Chi Minh did not evade, conceal, or deny mistakes and shortcomings. Instead, they faced the truth, pointed out mistakes, shortcomings, and causes, and at the same time proposed practical and specific solutions to overcome. The campaign to correct the mistakes in the land-use reform was carried out thoroughly and comprehensively, widely, and seriously. As a result, the Party’s prestige was strengthened, the people’s trust in the Party was affirmed and the Party’s strength was increased.

The lessons of President Ho Chi Minh’s attitude toward mistakes and shortcomings within the Party continued to be promoted when the Party recognized and took appropriate actions against mistakes and shortcomings in maintaining the economic management mechanism of the country in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Timely and effective solutions were taken to overcome obstacles and difficulties, bringing the country out of the period of socio-economic crisis, entering a new stage of development through the renewal policy initiated by the 6th Party Congress.

2. Lessons in Party building and rectification today

Defining Party building as a key task in the Renewal (Doi Moi) process, during the past few terms, the work of building the Party has been promoted and has achieved significant accomplishments. The Document of the 13th National Party Congress affirmed: “The Party building work during this term has achieved comprehensive results, notably: Fighting to prevent and repel the deterioration of political ideology, morality, lifestyle; anti-corruption and negative practices; reorganizing the apparatus, merging administrative units at district and commune levels, and streamlining the political system’s payroll; renovating the work of officials and preventing the situation of vying for positions or power; strengthening inspection, supervision, party discipline, strictly handling violations by party organizations, by cadres and party members, without exceptions or forbidden zones. The results of Party building and rectification work in the past terms and during the 12th National Party Congress have contributed significantly to our country’s current foundation, potential, position, and prestige; Our Party is currently more united, cohesive, clean and stronger; the people’s trust in the Party has been further consolidated and strengthened, creating a solid foundation for the rapid and sustainable development of the country in the coming years”(15). These achievements are attributed to many objective and subjective factors, especially the proper awareness and political determination of the whole Party to rectify mistakes and shortcomings.

However, in addition to the proper perceptions and attitudes, in the resent time period, there were still quite a few cadres and party members who had inappropriate attitudes toward their own mistakes and shortcomings as well as those of their comrades, colleagues, and organizations.

First and most dangerously, in the face of distorting and destructive actions of hostile forces taking advantage of the Party’s mistakes and shortcomings and the “heat” of Party building work, a number of officials with their vague awareness, lack of political courage, greed for money and fame have been manipulated and incited, leading to “self-evolution”, “self-transformation”. In some places, there is a phenomenon that cadres and party members take advantage of the mistakes and shortcomings of the organization and their comrades and colleagues, as well as criticize their colleagues, in order to lower the prestige and smear the honor of others, seeking opportunities for self-interest. Another phenomenon is that cadres and party members display a “one-sided” solidarity attitude, often tiptoeing around and glossing over mistakes and shortcomings, avoiding conflict, covering one’s ears, afraid of confrontation (this attitude is quite common in subordinates to mistakes and shortcomings of superiors). In particular, having an attitude of indifference, avoidance, unwillingness to struggle, afraid of mistakes and shortcomings and not ready to work, or pushing responsibility to superiors or others, etc. All these improper attitudes, at different levels, have an impact on the strength and prestige of the Party.

Imbued with the guidance of President Ho Chi Minh, it is necessary to effectively implement the following special solutions:

First of all, resolutely and uncompromisingly fight against reactionary and hostile forces. President Ho Chi Minh once affirmed: “We must take precautions. Whenever there is a defect in the Party, we must find a way to not let anyone take advantage of it. This is the duty of every true party member”(16). Building and rectifying are regular and continuous tasks of any organization that aims to be strong and resilient. There is no exception for a sole ruling political party that has been in power for many years, like the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Both theory and practice have proved that building and correcting the Party to truly embody ethics, civilization, and the capability to deserve the role of leading the country’s revolutionary cause is a fundamental and strategic issue governed by principles and rules. However, with malicious intentions and a biased perspective, hostile forces exploit the mistakes and shortcomings in the Party’s leadership and the State’s management over time to say that “the Communist Party of Vietnam cannot successfully fight against corruption”, “corruption is a chronic disease of the single-party governing system, an institutional nature that cannot be changed”, “fighting against corruption, handling cadres and party members who commit violations is “internal infighting”, “factionalism”, “this situation will inevitably cause the Party’s collapse and disintegration”... Such baseless and distorted arguments have been, are, and will continue to be resolutely condemned, criticized, refuted, and combatted with sharp, convincing reasoning and evidence from real-life experiences.

Secondly, “persuading, inspiring and educating officials”. It is necessary to internalize President Ho Chi Minh’s “way to work with officials”, One must be “correct” and “skilled” to fully promote the decisive role of officials in all matters of the Party. This is because, except for those who are intentionally destructive, no one intentionally make mistakes; mistakes may occur due to a lack of understanding. Therefore, when dealing with cadres who are wrong, one should not attack but must “approach them with a friendly attitude, helping them recognize why they erred. How such mistakes could harm the tasks? And how they can rectify it?”(17).

The party organization must use “persuasion” to help officials and party members who have made mistakes or shortcomings to correct them, “not every significant error should hastily label them as ‘opportunistic’, or be ‘warned’, or ‘temporarily expelled’. Such excessive ways are incorrect”(18).

Each official and party member must be courageous and resolute in defending the truth, protecting the right and the positive; bravely struggle with the wrong, the shortcomings, the negative; honestly acknowledge the shortcomings of individuals and organizations, be progressive, and actively correct limitations and shortcomings. It is essential to build and cultivate a strong character, maintain faith in the Party’s revolutionary goals and ideals, and strive for the people’s freedom, prosperity, and happiness.

However, in order to ensure strict adherence to party discipline, it is necessary to strictly implement President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings: for officials who make mistakes due to “greed and personal gain”, “intentional sabotage”, remaining “stubborn and unrepentant”, “still resistant to criticism and education” stringent measures are necessary, including expulsion them from the Party and imposing “appropriate discipline”, to avoid “one bad apple spoils the bunch”. Because, if not strictly punished, it will pave the way for elements who intentionally sabotage to take advantage.

Thirdly, “honest self-criticism and sincere criticism of others”. It is necessary to continue to promote the role of self-criticism and criticism - “a sharp weapon”, “the best medicine” which help officials and party members self-reflect and re-evaluate and understand peers’ views on their actions. From this, they can adjust their perceptions and behaviors according to general regulations.

Executing self-criticism and criticism effectively will gradually eliminate certain shortcomings and enhance certain strengths. Self-criticism and self-criticism must be conducted in a clear, practical, sincere, constructive manner, must be “right and skillful”, conducted in a comprehensive manner, and “must be from top to bottom and from bottom to top. Criticism from superiors is not enough, and from Comrades, and colleagues is not enough. We must also welcome the criticism from the people, only then will criticism be complete(19).

Fourthly, encouraging officials to do the “six dares”. Those are cadres who are not discouraged because of fear of mistakes and shortcomings; dare to think, dare to speak, dare to do, dare to take responsibility, dare to innovate, dare to face difficulties and challenges, and act decisively for the common good.

President Ho Chi Minh once empathized that leaders must know how to encourage “cadres to feel courageous enough to express their opinions and ideas”, that is to make subordinates, cadres, and party members not afraid to speak the truth and superiors should not be afraid to listen to it, creating favorable conditions for subordinates and party members to promote their initiatives, participate in planning and the implementation of plans. At the same time, it creates a positive atmosphere and mindset within party activities.

The national renewal is a revolution that creates new, positive, and suitable developments. Without officials and party members possessing aspirations, vision, and determination, and instead having officials who are afraid of making mistakes and flaws, who do not dare and refuse to commit, the innovation process cannot succeed. Therefore, each cadre and party member must have a proper understanding of the Party building work. They shouldn’t be fearful, anxious, hesitant, or hold back because of the “intense heat” of the Party’s rectification work; they must boldly enhance their party member’s capabilities in the roles assigned by the Party and State..

At the same time, the Party, and the State need to promptly establish guidelines, policies, mechanisms, and legal framework to encourage and protect, creating conditions for the “six daring” qualities of cadres and party members to develop promote, stimulate innovative and creative thinking, leveraging human resources for the cause of the national renewal.

 The proper attitudes and actions of officials and party members in the face of their own shortcomings and mistakes and those of the Party are the expression of absolute loyalty to the revolutionary cause of the people and the nation under the leadership of the Party. That is also the standard and important measure of cadres in the current revolutionary period n

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Received: April 19, 2023; Revised: May 7, 2023; Approved for publication: May 22, 2023.

Endnotes:

(1), (4), (5), (6), (7), (10), (12), (13), (16), (17), (18) Ho Chi Minh: The Complete Works, vol.5, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, pp.323, 305, 305, 304-305, 301, 324, 323, 273, 305, 323, 316.

(2), (14) Ho Chi Minh: The Complete Works, vol.11, ibid, pp.608, 608.

(3) Ho Chi Minh: The Complete Works, t.12, ibid, p.335.

(8), (9), (19) Ho Chi Minh: The Complete Works, t.6, ibid, p.52, 53, 53.

(11) Ho Chi Minh: The Complete Works, vol.4, ibid, tr.66.

(15) CPV: Documents of the 13th National Party Congress, vol.II, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2021, p.220-221.