Vietnam's top leader Do Muoi says although he is 79 and tired, he is young enough for a new term in office and a more measured era in reform.
Announcing for the first time yesterday that he would stay in his post as Communist Party general secretary, he said there was still much to be done for the country.
'This is what the people require,' he said. 'They make me work. How do I look to you? I am . . . old, I am past the working age, but I think I am still young.
'There are many areas of Vietnam where people still have very low living standards, I think this is my biggest concern,' he said.
Mr Muoi is today expected to emerge at the top of an expanded Politburo, and a new ruling seven-member elite within it, after the first congress in five years.
A string of new middle-aged leaders is expected to land places, but Hanoi's big three - Mr Muoi, premier Vo Van Kiet, 77, and President Le Duc Anh, 79 - will remain in the top jobs.