Hanoi (VNA) - At the first session of the 16th National Assembly, lawmakers are focusing on ensuring cybersecurity and discussing the draft revised Capital Law, viewing it as a major turning point for Hanoi’s development to a level comparable with developed cities worldwide.
Alongside personnel affairs, the legislative work, and institutional reforms have also attracted special attention from NA deputies, voters, and people nationwide.
Talking to VietnamPlus E-newspaper on the sidelines of the session, Most Venerable Thich Bao Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), and Head of the Hanoi Buddhist Sangha Executive Board, emphasised that cybersecurity and the revised Capital Law are among the issues of greatest concern during the session.
The following is the content of the interview:
Reporter: At the first session of the 16th National Assembly, lawmakers are expected to pass several important draft laws. This afternoon, the National Assembly will discuss the draft revised Law on Belief and Religion. What significance will this law have if adopted?
Deputy Thich Bao Nghiem: During this first session, we see two particularly important areas of focus: personnel affairs and law-making. Regarding legislation, among the eight laws and resolutions expected to be adopted, as a Buddhist monk, I highly value the preparation of the draft revised Law on Belief and Religion. This law is scheduled for approval during this session.
In fact, the Law on Belief and Religion has been implemented since 2016. After eight years of enforcement, several provisions need to be revised to meet practical requirements and the country's new stage of development.
At the same time, several emerging issues have not been adequately addressed in the current law. Therefore, the drafting board needs to listen to opinions from relevant agencies. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has drafted the revisions and incorporated feedback from the public, including representatives of religious organisations. Personally, I am most interested in Article 8, which addresses safeguarding cyberspace. Communications have tremendous power, but they can also have significant negative impacts if cybersecurity systems are not properly protected.
In addition, the revised draft law provides clearer regulations on asset management as well as land-related matters.
These are provisions that we greatly appreciate. I believe that once the revised Law on Belief and Religion is adopted, it will certainly be effectively implemented in practice.
Reporter: Alongside the revised Law on Belief and Religion, voters also expect the revised Capital Law to help shape Hanoi's future development. How do you assess the importance of this bill?
Deputy Thich Bao Nghiem: Drawing on the Politburo’s Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW dated March 17, 2026, and the principles underpinning the revised Capital Law, we believe these policies mark a major turning point for the country’s development in the new era of its rise. In particular, the policy of restructuring the administrative system and implementing a two-tier local administration model grants Hanoi special authority to take greater responsibility for managing and shaping its own development. It enables the capital to reach the standards of developed countries in the world, while improving the quality of life for its residents.
Reporter: As a deputy with many years of parliamentary experience, how do you assess the determination and action-oriented spirit demonstrated at the first session of the 16th National Assembly?
Deputy Thich Bao Nghiem: We appreciate this session and are confident that it will be successful.
In fact, during the first two and a half days of the session, personnel affairs were carried out objectively and democratically.
At the same time, the agenda combines personnel matters with legislative work. The previous NA terms also followed this approach. But this term continues to introduce innovations while maintaining the overarching objective highlighted by Party General Secretary To Lam at the opening session, that of enhancing the mettle and vision required to make decisions on important issues of the country. Such decisions must be accurate, timely, and serve the nation's long-term interests.
Reporter: How do you evaluate the country's changes over more than 80 years of independence, freedom, and development, particularly after more than 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal)?
Deputy Thich Bao Nghiem: Over the past 80 years, each NA term has left its own historical imprint on the people and the nation. However, the 2026–2031 term is especially significant. Following the administrative re-organisation process and the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), the country has also successfully conducted a general election that has resonated strongly with the people. Voter turnout in the recent election was remarkably high.
Indeed, during the recent election, news agencies and media outlets vividly captured the atmosphere across the country. They revealed the engagement of the entire Party, people, and political system, from central agencies to island and mountainous regions, as voters embraced what truly became a national festival of democracy.
In this new term, from the inaugural session throughout the proceedings, people pinned their hopes on the leadership team elected by the NA. This reflects the public's desire to choose individuals who possess virtue, talent, determination, and a genuine commitment to serving the nation, who can guide the country steadily forward and ensure that the people benefit from the fruits of development./.
Reporter: Thank you for your conversation!
