On January 17, in his self-defense, regarding the Dai Ninh project of Nguyen Cao Tri - General Director of Saigon Dai Ninh Company, the former Chairman of Lam Dong said that he was "under pressure" from Deputy Inspector General of the Government Tran Van Minh (deceased). Mr. Tran Van Hiep added: "In addition to Mr. Minh, there were also senior leaders who suggested and entrusted" so he "had to comply with the opinions of senior leaders".
As Chairman of Lam Dong province, Mr. Tran Van Hiep's impatience to see the Dai Ninh project implemented is understandable, because a large project will bring economic and social benefits to the locality.
Mr. Tran Van Hiep also said that he had received "suggestions and instructions" from senior leaders. If what Mr. Hiep said was true, it was impossible to follow the instructions of his superiors in the way he did. Senior leaders' instructions must be in writing, in accordance with regulations, and within their authority. "Suggestions" or "instructions" are not instructions.
Even with the direction, as the Provincial Chairman, Mr. Hiep must consider all matters related to the project implementation procedures, whether they are in accordance with the law or not, and must do it correctly. If he does something wrong, he cannot blame anyone else.
Those who "entrusted" the Dai Ninh project were not responsible for any violations, but the leaders of Lam Dong province. Mr. Tran Van Hiep cannot blame "pressure" from anyone, he is the Chairman of Lam Dong province, not a "small" employee who is "ordered around" by his superiors.
Regarding the Dai Ninh project, not only did Mr. Tran Van Hiep do wrong, he also accepted bribes. Mr. Tran Van Hiep helped the defendant Tri and accepted a bribe of 4.2 billion VND. If Mr. Hiep had not taken the money, there would not be the consequences today.
Thus, the matter of "pressure" or "suggestion, entrustment" has nothing to do with the act of accepting bribes. Talking around the bush, Mr. Tran Van Hiep still made a mistake and admitted: "In the end, the defendant still accepted the money, this was the defendant's mistake."
Mr. Tran Van Hiep told the court that he did not use the 4.2 billion VND he received from Nguyen Cao Tri for personal spending or shopping, but used it for charity, and that all of his charity work had documents confirming it. Even if Mr. Hiep used all of that money for charity, it still could not justify his act of accepting bribes.
Those who accept bribes must be punished according to the law. Officials should look at the case of Mr. Tran Van Hiep to warn themselves.
