The report said inspections by ministries and sector authorities found violations costing some VND33.5 billion (US$2 million), with 117 pertinent cases from October 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008.

Other inspections conducted in the same period by central government inspectors uncovered transgressions that caused losses totaling more than VND7 trillion ($430 million).

A review by the NA Judicial Committee showed corruption investigations were generally dragged out. Committee Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Ba said some of the prolonged cases were even under the responsibility of national authorities.

The NA Judicial Committee highlighted cases of embezzling from government budgets for personal purchases, and noted that most corruption cases were reported by citizens rather than civil servants.

“I don’t know how to answer to citizens when being asked about such cases,” Head of NA Social Affairs Commission Truong Thi Mai said, adding that many cases of a serious nature were dealt with in an untimely fashion.

The committee also said financial inspections of relevant firms and agencies were ineffective and penalties exacted against violators were too puny to be a deterrent.

NA Standing Committee member Tran The Vuong said one third of corruption cases resulted in probation sentences and that such statistics “show lighter punishments than deserved.”

Reported by Xuan Toan