Communist Review - President Ho Chi Minh, the genius leader of our nation, the great teacher of the Vietnamese revolution. He is the most shinning symbol of patriotism and revolutionary heroism in Viet Nam. He is the radiant crystallization of morality and wisdom, bravery and conscience of the nation and the times. He devoted his whole life to the cause of class and human liberation and national independence. His ideology, morality and style are invaluable spiritual assets of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the nation of Viet Nam. Learning and following his example is an important and indispensable task for all Party committees and members to cultivate and train, dedicate and serve the country.

Looking back on the 5-year implementation of Directive No. 05-CT/TW of the Politburo

In recent years, the implementation of the Directive No. 05-CT/TW, dated May 15, 2016, by the Politburo on promoting the learning and following of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality, and style (hereinafter referred to as Directive No. 05 for short), associated with the Resolution No. 04-NQ/TW, dated October 30, 2016, of the 4^th Plenum of the 12^th Party Central Committee on bolstering the building and rectification of the Party; enhancing the building and rectification of the Party; preventing and repulsing the degradation in political ideology, ethics and lifestyle as well as the manifestation of the internal “self-evolution” and “self-transformation" (hereinafter referred to as the 4^th Resolution of the 12^th Party Central Committee) has achieved a variety of important, comprehensive and practical results with numerous creative execution methods. This has gradually become an important and regular task of each party organization, each cadre, and each party member. The movement, therefore, has created a strong and pervasive change in the Party and the whole society, giving rise to dramatic progress in the entire political system, especially in the construction and rectification of the Party, contributing to the fruitful implementation of the 12^th  Party Congress’s Resolution, creating an important foundation for the entire Party, people, and armed forces to emulate and continue to successfully implement the Resolution of the 13^th Party Congress in the time to come.

This is a significant development, inheriting, upholding and promoting previous achievements, overcoming such limitations as the inadequate awareness of a number of cadres and party members, including leaders, about the importance of learning and following Uncle Ho; the insufficient sense of responsibility of playing exemplary role of cadres and Party members; the sluggish construction of ethical standards which is still mainly in the form of formality; the uninteresting work of education and dissemination, failing to create a spillover effect in the society.

Outstanding results in the implementation of Directive No. 05 over the past time:

Firstly, the task of leading and instructing the learning and following of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality, and style Directive No. 05 issued by the Politburo has been carried out seriously, methodically and effectively in the entire political system.

Secondly, the implementation of Directive No. 05 has been conducted by Party committees at all level. The execution has been organized in the forms of specific action plans and programs, associated with Party building work, key tasks, breakthrough stages, emulation movements, and campaigns so as to effectively lead, instruct and implement. In practice, there have appeared many good models, creative methods, and outstanding collectives and individuals.

Thirdly, the study of Directive No. 05, together with all-level seminars on Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style, has been seriously conducted, creating significant changes in the awareness and actions of cadres and Party members, thus turning into high political determination and drastic action within each Party member, cadre and Party committee.

Fourthly, the commitment to moral training and cultivation, associated with the responsibility of setting an exemplary role, has been launched synchronously and extensively, increasingly becoming an active and regular task of each cadre, Party member and organization, contributing to curbing and preventing the deterioration in political ideology, morality, lifestyle, and the manifestations  of internal "self-evolution" and "self-transformation; building a contingent of cadres, especially those at strategic level, with solid political willpower, morality, responsibility, righteous motives, and  being exemplary; struggling effectively to protect the Party’s ideological foundation; refuting wrongful and hostile views, laying an outstanding foundation in building a moral and civilized Party culture. The effectiveness of setting an exemplary role has had great impacts, generating breakthroughs in changing the socio-economic situation of the country, solving burning social problems which have caused frustration among the people, affirming the righteousness of the Party's guidelines on Doi Moi.

Fifthly, the task of education and dissemination has been carried out in various and prominent forms, contributing to popularizing the learning and following of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style, thus producing positive impacts on perception, thought, feeling and actions of cadres, Party members and people. This is highly appreciated by international friends and has made Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, ethics, and style gradually become the solid spiritual foundation in the society.

Sixthly, the work of educating political theory and the contents of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style for cadres, Party members, Youth Union members, pupils and students has been conducted seriously with innovation seen in both contents and methods as well as management and discipline strengthened in teaching and learning; gradually eliminating the situation of being lazy and afraid of studying political theory, thus improving political courage of cadres, Party members and people of all classes, especially the young generation.

Seventhly, the preliminary summary of the implementation of Directive No. 05 has been annually made by Party committees, pointing out achievements, limitations, causes of limitations, as well as drawing valuable lessons, and mapping out suitable and feasible tasks and solutions to improve the quality of learning and following Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style in the following years.

Eighthly, special attention has been paid to the task of inspection and supervision, which has been done strictly and methodically, thus promptly detecting and clarifying the negative practices of cadres, Party members and organizations, and at the same time discovering and honoring advanced collectives and individuals. This strongly encourages cadres, Party members and people to actively learn and follow Uncle Ho in the manner of self-examination, self-correction, and self-regulation of their behavior and ethics, lifestyle and working style.

In general, the implementation of Directive No. 05 in association with Resolution No. 04 has brought into full play the pervasiveness of learning and following Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style in all aspects of life, contributing to bringing about resonance, consensus and determination within the entire Party and society in performing socio-economic tasks, defending the Fatherland, and strengthening people's trust in the Party, the State and the socialist regime.

However, the implementation of Directive No. 05 associated with Resolution No. 04 has also revealed a number of limitations. For example, the instruction and organization of implementation at times and in places have been far from drastic, failing to highlight the leadership of Party committees, agencies or units. The commitment to cultivating, especially the work of setting an exemplary role by a group of cadres and Party members has yet to become a must and has not been effective. Determining breakthrough stages is still confusing. Education and dissemination have yet to be launched extensively in industrial parks, export processing zones, and residential areas. Fighting against wrongful or hostile views is still in passive manner with poor fighting spirit. The struggle against negative phenomena in terms of morality and lifestyle is not strong enough. Inspecting and supervising the cultivation of morality and lifestyle of cadres and Party members in some places have not been conducted on a regular and drastic basis. The scope and subjects are still narrow with limited effectiveness of warning and prevention.  The work of review and assessment fails to be paid due attention to. This situation requires stronger actions to promote learning and following Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style, meeting the requirements of political tasks in the new period.

Promote learning and following Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style in the new period

In the current context, the world is witnessing great changes with extremely complicated and unpredictable developments. Peace, cooperation and development are still a major global trend. However, the strategic competition between major powers and local conflicts still occur in various forms, thus increasing risks to the international economic, political and security environment.

After 35 years of Doi Moi, Viet Nam has recorded numerous achievements of historical significance. The strength and synergy of the nation is increasingly enhanced. Never has the country enjoyed such opportunity, potential, posture and international prestige like today. The international and domestic situation, with its advantages and opportunities intertwined with difficulties and challenges, has posed fresh, urgent and harder problems for the cause of national construction and defense. The four dangers pointed out by the Party still exist and somewhat are more acute. There still exist threats to the country's independence, sovereignty and strategic interests, etc. Also, there are dangers of the deterioration in political ideology, ethics, and lifestyles, the manifestations of internal "self-evolution" and "self-transformation, and the sabotage activities intensified by hostile forces. Such context requires the entire Party to drastically renew thinking, nurture high political determination, proactively respond to all situations, continue to comprehensively and synchronously promote the course of Doi Moi, and aggregate the country's potentials in all aspects. In particular, it is necessary to pay special attention to the construction and rectification of the Party, making it a truly pure and strong one, capable of leading the country to embark on rapid and sustainable development.

The 13^th Party Congress emphasized that “in the coming years, it is imperative to pay special attention to further promoting the building and rectification of the Party in terms of politics, ideology, morality, organization and personnel to consistently and creatively apply and develop Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought, remaining steadfast in the goal of national independence and socialism, in the reform policy for the sake of a rich people - strong nation - equitable, democratic and civilized society.

The 13^th Party Congress Resolution also affirms that it is required to resolutely and persistently implement the Resolutions of the 4^th Plenum of the 11^th and the 12^th Party Central Committees on Party building in association with accelerating learning and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style with strong, drastic and synchronous solutions to prevent and curb the deterioration in political ideology, morality, lifestyle, and the manifestations of internal "self-evolution” and "self-transformation". It is also significant to strictly implement self-criticism and criticism from the Central to grass root levels. The inspection and supervision should be done with collectives and individuals showing signs of complicated problems or deterioration, "self-evolution", and "self-transformation" with importance attached to limitation overcoming.

In the spirit of bringing into full play the achievements gained and experience learnt in the implementation of Directive No. 05 over the past time, the entire Party, people and armed forces continue to promote the learning and following of Ho Chi Minh’s thought, shifting from “learning" to "following" Uncle Ho, thus prompting his thought, morality and style to really penetrate into social life, becoming a lifestyle, a way of thinking, and a way of doing things within each cadre, Party member and individual. On such basis, patriotism is elevated, so is the will to strengthen the nation, the desire to contribute and build the country to prosperity and happiness by all party organizations, cadres, Party members and people, helping to successfully implement the 13^th Party Congress Resolution. In the coming time, cadres and Party members are required to focus on conducting well three tasks: learning, following Uncle Ho, setting an exemplary role of via the following key solutions:

Firstly, continuing to raise cadres and Party members’ awareness about the contents and values of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style, making his ideology, morality and style a solid spiritual foundation, the source of strength of the society. Cultivating Vietnamese culture and people to meet the requirements of sustainable development. Firmly defending the Fatherland for the sake of a rich people - strong nation - equitable, democratic and civilized society.

Secondly, closely combining "learning" with "following" Uncle Ho in the implementation of political tasks of each locality, agency and unit. Strengthening leadership and instruction, creating a unity of will and action within Party Committees at all levels, especially the responsibility of the leadership to promote the implementation of Directive No. 05. Continuing to concretize Directive No. 05’s contents and tasks into an action plan. Correctly identifying breakthrough stages and burning issues. Completely dealing with remaining issues and effectively carrying out socio-economic tasks.

Thirdly, upholding the responsibility of setting an exemplary role of cadres and Party members, especially the leadership, starting from Politburo members, members of the Secretariat, and members of the Party Central Committee. The higher the position they hold, the more exemplary they must be in order to affirm the role of leadership, pioneering, and being exemplary of cadres and Party members. Attaching the responsibility of setting an exemplary role in learning and following Uncle Ho to emulation movements and campaigns of all sectors and branches in order to arouse the spirit of dedication and aspiration to build a prosperous country within the entire Party and society.

Fourthly, studying, supplementing and perfecting revolutionary ethical standards suitable to the new conditions, serving as a foundation for cadres and Party members to cultivate and practice self-discipline. Stepping up the cultivation of revolutionary ethics, making cadres and Party members fully understand their duties and responsibilities to uphold political morality to effectively combat all negative practices of individualism, bureaucracy, opportunism, partiality, factions, group interests, internal disunity, degradation in political ideology and to promote the practice of self - cultivation, "self-examination" and "self-correction".

Synchronously performing the two tasks of "build" and "prevent". "Building" is a basic and strategic task, while "preventing" is an important and urgent one. "Building" means an effective organization of patriotic emulation movements and other socio-economic development tasks. "Preventing" means to combat, prevent and curb the deterioration in political ideology, morality and lifestyle. Persistently and resolutely fighting against opportunism, revisionism, dogmatism, conservatism, factions, and manifestations of degradation, "self-evolution", "self-transformation", corruption, and negative practices with no restricted areas or exception. Sharpening alertness and deterrence against any negative thoughts and expressions. Encouraging cadres and Party members to think and act for the benefit and happiness of the people.

Fifthly, strongly renewing the contents, methods and forms of educating and disseminating Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style among cadres, Party members and the masses, especially among young and overseas Vietnamese communities. Promoting the task of discovering, fostering, praising, popularizing and replicating advanced figures in learning and following Uncle Ho, creating a spillover and influence, turning "learning" into "following" Uncle Ho, making it a daily task of cadres and party members, with its quality and efficiency gradually improved.

Sixthly, continuing to renew and improve the quality of research, application and development of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought, meeting the requirements of the cause of national construction and defense in the new situation in the direction of science, creativity, and modernity. Focusing on studying, identifying and building a national value system, a cultural value system and human standards in association with preserving and developing the Vietnamese family value system in the new period. Developing and complying with cultural standards in leadership and management. Encouraging the creation and promotion of literary, artistic and journalistic works about learning and following Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style.

Seventhly, improving the quantity of science and combativeness in the fight against wrongful and hostile views, and political opportunism. Proactively providing timely, accurate, and objective information for the cause of preventing and fighting against "peaceful evolution". Eliminating toxic information on the internet and social networks so that cadres, Party members and people can get access to safe one. Actively participating in the protection of the Party’s ideological foundation, integrating advance information deeply into social life so as to correct distorted ideas, foster methodology and scientific belief in each cadre, party member and people. Consolidating solidarity and unity in the Party, and consensus in the society.

Eighthly, strengthening the inspection and supervision over the implementation of Directive No. 05 in association with Resolution No. 04 (11^th and 12^th   Party Central Committee) in order to warn, early detect, and timely prevent violations of the Party's discipline, the State's laws, ensuring that learning and following Uncle Ho is implemented strictly, effectively and substantively. Bringing into full play the supervisory role of the elected bodies, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, socio-political organizations, the press and the people in observing the practicing of the regulations on setting an exemplary role. Working outcomes, people's satisfaction and trust should serve as criteria for evaluating the quality of party organizations, cadres and Party members. Strictly handling any cadres or Party members who violate the laws and regulations, whereas timely praising outstanding figures of morality and lifestyle.

President Ho Chi Minh has left the CPV and Vietnamese people a valuable legacy, which includes the Ho Chi Minh era, and Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style. Vietnamese people and their nation gave birth to President Ho Chi Minh, a great national hero, and it was he who made the Vietnamese nation and people shine brightly. His life and great career will forever be a revolutionary symbol, a beacon guiding the nation's revolutionary cause, forever a shining example for generations of Vietnamese people to follow. Constantly studying and following him have always served as an evaluation criterion, a motto of action and a working method of all cadres and Party members. This is considered as a driving force and a source of strength for the whole Party to strive to weather difficulties and challenges, meeting the revolutionary requirements in the new period.

     This article was published in the Communist Review No. 967 (June 2021)