The first signs are emerging of rare open debate over the direction of beleaguered reforms ahead of forthcoming leadership changes and a key Communist Party meeting later this year.
Vice-Interior Minister Vo Thai Hoa yesterday made a blistering attack on 'hostile forces' in political, ideological and economic circles, working to plot 'coups and subversion' and upset reforms.
'They strive to make use of conditions they see as favourable when we open doors . . . to undermine our policies . . . and split the great united block of our people,' Mr Hoa said in a speech published yesterday in the Nhan Dan party daily.
Mr Hoa, known as a key Communist Party ideologue, told senior members of the police force to be aware of their 'political tasks' in 'the new era of revolution'.
Mr Hoa's comments follow several months' work to bolster the ideological direction of law enforcers following recent corruption scandals.
His address comes amid a string of commentaries and editorials, demanding a new wave of reform and better conditions for farmers.
Senior southern economist Pham Xuan Ai warned at the weekend that economic and social reforms were nearly exhausted after 10 years.
