OPEN LETTER TO THE VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY IN VICTORIA: UPHOLDING DEMOCRACY, THE RULE OF LAW, AND THE WILL OF THE ELECTORATE.
Dear Religious Leaders, Leaders of the Armed Forces Association of the Republic of Vietnam, Leaders and Representatives of Community Organisations, Members of the Media, and the Vietnamese Community in Victoria,
It has been more than four months since the election of the Executive Committee (EC) and Advisory Committee (AC) of the Vietnamese Community in Australia – Victoria Chapter (VCA-Vic). Having received the confidence of the community and the support of numerous organisations and community members, the newly elected EC and AC have continued their unwavering efforts to uphold justice, defend the will of the electorate, and protect the democratic values of our community, despite the outgoing Executive Committee’s ongoing refusal to hand over the assets, records, and official documents of VCA-Vic in accordance with established procedures and community governance requirements.
During this period, we have observed ongoing concern, uncertainty, and frustration among many members of our community who continue to receive announcements purporting to be official on the basis that they bear the name and logo of VCA-Vic. Such concerns are both understandable and legitimate. At issue is not merely an administrative or procedural dispute, but the preservation of the democratic principles and institutional integrity that generations of community members have worked diligently to establish and uphold.
Although the election results were duly determined and certified by the Election Organising Committee, and although the complaints lodged did not concern nor affect the outcome of the election, Mr. Nguyen Quang Duy has continued to reject the election result and has declined to carry out the required transition and handover process. Furthermore, together with Ms. Hoang Kim Anh, a member of an Advisory Committee whose position is not legitimate and who was defeated in the election, efforts have been made to remain in office for an additional year, amend the Constitution, and conduct a new election.
It is particularly regrettable that repeated calls for respect of the election outcome and adherence to the Constitution from the Armed Forces Association, the fourteen Service Family Associations of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam, twenty-five community organisations, six former Presidents of VCA-Vic, respected community leaders, and numerous members of the broader community have not been heeded.
Of even greater concern is the fact that, as a consequence of the ongoing dispute between the two Executive Committees, the administrative operations of VCA-Vic have been placed on hold by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV). Under these circumstances, any attempt to amend the Constitution, as well as the continued use of official titles and positions to solicit membership applications or seek nominations to the Advisory Council, lacks proper legal standing and raises serious concerns regarding governance and accountability.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While recent events have undoubtedly caused disappointment and division, it is equally important to recognise the positive response that has emerged from our community. Members of the community have come together, engaged constructively, and spoken out with a common purpose: the protection of the principles and values upon which our community is founded.
The message expressed by so many members of our community is clear: democracy is not measured solely by the casting of votes, but also by respect for the outcome of those votes. A constitution retains its authority only when all parties are prepared to abide by it. If any individual can disregard an election result, delay the orderly transfer of authority, unilaterally amend constitutional provisions after an electoral defeat, or continue to act under a mandate no longer conferred by the electorate, then the democratic foundations of our community are placed at serious risk.
The election result and the expressed will of the community are established facts and cannot be set aside by denial or delay. We therefore respectfully call upon all members of the community to remain steadfast, to maintain confidence in the democratic process, and not to be discouraged or misled by the present circumstances.
The Vietnamese Community in Victoria stands as the product of more than half a century of sacrifice, dedication, and collective effort by generations of Vietnamese refugees and community builders. It is our shared responsibility to safeguard that legacy through unity, perseverance, respect for the rule of law, and unwavering commitment to democratic values.
We remain firmly committed to standing alongside our community and to pursuing all lawful and appropriate avenues to uphold the truth, protect the legitimacy of our community institutions, and preserve the values and achievements handed down by previous generations.
We cannot allow actions that undermine democratic principles and the rule of law to jeopardize the future of our community.
FOR A UNITED, TRANSPARENT, AND DEMOCRATICALLY GOVERNED COMMUNITY.
Respectfully yours,
Thuy Dang
President elect
On behalf of the Duly Elected Executive Committee VCA-Vic
