Bureaucrats: in it for benefit or service?

The school gave them a small amount of money for making posters, decorations and other preparations.

One student suggested using part of the money to buy snacks for the group, saying it would be reward for their hard work.

The teacher immediately challenged the idea, asking: "What is this money for?"

"To organize the event for the orphanage," the student replied.

"If we use it to buy food for ourselves, isn't that misusing public funds?"

The room fell silent. The amount was not large, but the principle was clear—misusing public funds, in any amount, was unacceptable.

The student who made the suggestion quickly apologized and promised to be more mindful of using public money responsibly.

In many countries, students learn from an early age that public funds belong to society and must not be misused.

This reinforces a crucial principle: civil servants must not treat public money as their own but as resources entrusted to them to be used for the common good.

In Vietnam, as the country's market economy took shape in the 1990s, many parents encouraged their children to secure government jobs for financial stability.

Over time, this preference evolved into a belief that such government jobs guaranteed lifelong benefits, regardless of performance.

Now, as Vietnam works to streamline its bureaucracy by merging ministries and departments and restructuring local governments, the goal is not just efficiency but a fundamental shift in the mindset of Vietnamese.

Civil servants (L) work at the Thu Duc City People's Committee in HCMC, August 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Civil servants must see their positions as responsibilities, not entitlements for personal benefit.

However, with low public sector salaries, many officials find other ways to increase their income like cash envelopes, gifts and unofficial deals.

What may begin as minor personal benefits such as free meals or event invitations often develops into systemic corruption. High-profile cases involving senior officials reveal that corruption is no longer isolated cases but a national crisis demanding immediate addressing.

Other nations have successfully tackled these issues. Canada, Singapore, and Japan have built efficient bureaucracies where civil servants are evaluated and compensated based on performance, with strict oversight from both the government and the public.

Singapore, in particular, stands out for its government transparency.

Officials undergo rigorous exams and must meet strict integrity standards while receiving high salaries. The country's Public Service Values program enforces values of honesty, dedication and fairness, ensuring that any abuse of power is swiftly punished.

Sweden takes a similar approach. Public officials are not only required to serve the people but must also account for their use of public funds whenever questioned.

In 1995 candidate Mona Sahlin lost her bid for prime minister after admitting to using public funds — of about $80 — for personal expenses, including chocolate and diapers.

Swedish officials must publicly declare their assets and face constant scrutiny from the media and the public, ensuring they serve the people, not themselves.

Germany upholds the civil servant oath, which requires officials to swear loyalty to the constitution and public interest.

Canada and Japan have strict oversight to prevent corruption. Those who violate these laws lose their jobs and face severe consequences.

In developed countries, civil servants' salaries reflect performance. While their pay is high, those who underperform are soon replaced.

Vietnam must adopt a similar approach, removing officials who hold positions without making meaningful contributions.

Education also plays an important role.

In Canada, people pursue public service jobs not for personal gain but because it is a prestigious and well respected career.

Vietnam must redefine the role of its civil servants as true public servants. If future generations grow up understanding that government privileges are not personal rewards, but taxpayer money meant to be used for the common good, they will view civil service with a sense of duty rather than entitlement.

With strong political will, Vietnam has a major opportunity to transform its bureaucracy.

The public sector must no longer be a refuge for those seeking easy personal benefits, and civil servants must instead be dedicated professionals who work transparently and diligently for the people.

This change will not come easily, but it must happen. If Vietnam does not act now, then when?

*Dinh Hong Ky is the vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association and vice chairman of the Vietnam Association for Building Materials.