Reported to be the first Vietnamese politician to set up a blog, well-known historian and deputy to the National Assembly Duong Trung Quoc says he did so to share his opinions with the country’s people.
Reported to be the first Vietnamese politician to set up a blog, well-known historian and deputy to the National Assembly Duong Trung Quoc says he did so to share his opinions with the country’s people.
Quoc, from the southern
Quoc, the general director of the Association of Vietnamese Historians and editor-in-chief of Xua Va Nay (Now and Then) magazine, is well-known at home and abroad for his research on national history and for articles on architectural preservation.
His outspoken speeches delivered at the 11th NA against waste and corruption received warm approval from voters around the country.
"Initially I spent months arranging my stories which were published in newspapers over the years, making them more orderly before uploading them on the blog," Quoc said.
These stories are not only about history but his thoughts about national affairs that are reflected in the mind of an historian and an NA deputy.
"I’m not showing off by setting up the first blog of an NA member. I want to receive feedback from readers, especially young people, to know what they think about these problems. I don’t intend to write in my blog what I know about NA backstage activities."
"I know what the limit is for my writing. At present, I don’t intend to use the blog as a large discussion forum on political issues."
Officially begun last week, one day before the first meeting of the current 12th NA session, Quoc’s blog at website http://360.yahoo.com/quocxuanay has been visited by an increasing number of people who have been attracted by Quoc’s stories published in newspapers over the years and by his activities at the NA.
Readers of his blog say Quoc’s vivid writing style coupled with his wide knowledge are useful for anyone who wants to understand different issues, from the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which
As a novelty in the field, Quoc said before opening his blog, he was warned about risks including technical problems as well as negative comments from readers.
"My aim is to share opinions with people who are concerned with the issues in my blog," he said.
"I want to challenge myself with this blog, which also means challenging the internet audience."
(Source: VNS)
