An official from the Government Inspectorate is being heavily criticised after being recorded giving a speech on how to avoid reporters during inspections.

Headquarter of the Government Inspectorate

On November 27, the Government Inspectorate started the inspection into the responsibilities of the rector of the Vietnam National University in HCM City after it was given autonomy.

Later, a 10-minute video clip was posted on the internet and stirred up anger. In the clip, a man thought to be Nguyen Minh Man, the acting head of Government Inspectorate's Board of Cultural and Social Issues, explained to lecturers how to avoid providing information to reporters.

He said, "This is just a regular inspection, not for any serious wrongdoing. Members of inspection team could be legally liable if disclosing information to the media.

"I'll make this clear: lecturers and employees of Vietnam National University have the same responsibility. Don’t talk about family problems in public. Don't accept guests, except newspapers of the party that want to help the university this Tet Holiday.

"You can tell me if reporters bother you. I'll help chase them away. I'm not afraid. It's a shame if the media cause troubles for the inspection."

Man was assessed to be "incapable of completing his job" in 2012 and his promotion to be head of the board was opposed. But he was still appointed to the post.

Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung emphasised the need for transparency at a regular press conference on November 29, saying that agencies were free to provide information to the press as this obviously had nothing to do with national security.

"We've heard everyone's opinion and will convey them to the Government Inspectorate for self-criticism. They shouldn't let an official behave like that," he said.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Trieu Van Cuong said they would investigate the claims around Man’s appointment.