The diplomat expressed his deep sympathy over the death of the Vietnamese Party leader during an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (right) receives Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Hanoi in July 2023. |
Following the full text of the interview.
How do you evaluate the role and contributions of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the national construction and development of Vietnam, especially in Party building and rectification and anti-corruption?
Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai: General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has been an instrumental figure, serving as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam since 2011 and as the President of Vietnam from 2018 to 2021. In his long, distinguished years of service, he has made many contributions to the development of Vietnam, not least of which would be his signature anti-corruption campaign. He strived to raise the awareness of Vietnamese from all walks of life, whether in government, in the private sector, or in the general public, of the scourge of corruption and how detrimental corruption can be to the nation’s development.
Under his leadership, Vietnam has also continued to implement comprehensive economic reforms aimed at fostering a market-oriented economy. His administration has emphasized enhancing the business environment, attracting foreign investment, and integrating Vietnam more deeply into the global economy through trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
From the perspective of foreign policy, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong showed how adept he was through the implementation of the ‘bamboo diplomacy’; skillfully strengthening Vietnam's international standing and diversifying its foreign relations. He has focused on balancing Vietnam's relationships with major powers while promoting Vietnam's role in regional organizations such as ASEAN. This has increased Vietnam's diplomatic influence and provided opportunities for economic partnerships.
How do you think about the Party leader’s theoretical and practical contributions to the shaping and development of Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy”?
Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai: General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's philosophy has significantly influenced Vietnam's foreign policy, often referred to as “bamboo diplomacy.” This approach emphasizes resilience, flexibility, and adaptability, akin to the characteristics of bamboo, which bends but does not break under pressure. Vietnam pursues a multi-dimensional foreign policy that focuses on balancing relations with major powers, enhancing regional cooperation, deepening global integration, and promoting peace and stability, without compromising its core national interests and sovereignty.
How do you assess Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s role in promoting the relations between Vietnam and Malaysia?
Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai: Nguyen Phu Trong, as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, has played a significant role in shaping Vietnam's foreign relations, including with Malaysia. His leadership has emphasized the importance of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) unity and cooperation, which includes both Malaysia and Vietnam.
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Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato Tan Yang Thai (Photo courtesy of the Malaysian Embassy in Vietnam) |
During his leadership, there have been efforts to enhance bilateral relations between Vietnam and Malaysia. This includes economic cooperation, trade agreements, and political dialogue to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.
A milestone achievement was made under his astute leadership when the Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and Vietnam was established in 2015. Since then, the relations between the two countries have grown from strength to strength with increased trade and investment, cooperation in education and training, tourism, culture, and people-to-people engagements, as well as exchanges of high-level visits. The close relations between Malaysia and Vietnam were nurtured and maintained till it reached the significant 50 – year anniversary mark last year, during which General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Hanoi, Vietnam.
What is your impression of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong?
Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai: General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a sincere and devoted leader, with ambitious visions for his country and fellow countrymen. He was truly dedicated and tireless in his efforts to serve his country for the betterment of the Vietnamese people. Last year, when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on his bilateral visit to Hanoi, there was a good rapport between them. The General Secretary’s ideas on preserving strategic autonomy and promoting good governance in Vietnam left a positive impression on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
As a leader, he is held in high esteem by the Vietnamese people. I believe future generations of Vietnamese will take inspiration from how he lived his life in devoted service to the people and country of Vietnam.
Source: VNA