Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung is “at ease” about ending his 55 years of fighting for and contributing to the country, he said prior to the scheduled formality to remove him from his position today, April 6.

The lawmaking National Assembly is scheduled to cast a vote to dismiss Dung as prime minister on Wednesday afternoon, with his successor to be named the following day, according to the official agenda.

The 67-year-old politician, who also served time in the army, held the prime ministerial post for nine years and ten months since 2007.

“I feel very relaxed,” Dung told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday, when asked how he would feel after ending his career.

“After nearly 55 years fighting and working for the country, the Party and the State have now allowed me to return to normal life, where I will have more time with my family,” he said.

“As I am living in a peaceful, independent country which is on a path of development and integration, I also feel very happy.”

Prime Minister Dung said while he has devoted his life to fulfill all duties assigned by the Party, what he does feel regret about is that “my limited ability has prevented me from doing more and better for the country and the people.”

The premier accepted partial responsibility for the weaknesses and shortcomings that have been pointed out by the Party, the state, and the people.

“As the head of the government, the highest state organ that exercises executive authority, I have to take political responsibility for those weaknesses,” he said. “This is also my biggest regret and concern.”

Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung give remarks at the opening session of the 23rd World Economic Forum on East Asia held in Manila on May 22, 2014. Photo: Reuters

Vietnam’s legislature is slated to announce the new prime minister on Thursday, with the incumbent deputy premier Nguyen Xuan Phuc nominated to take the post.

Dung said he has trust in his successor, adding his biggest hope is to see a strong and united government that will do everything for the interest of the country and its people.

Nguyen Tan Dung was born in 1949 in the southernmost province of Ca Mau. Having fought and worked in the military, he is also a war invalid.

PM Dung is one of only a few top Vietnamese officials who has had a rich political career, having taken various positions in multiple sectors.

Before taking the job as the prime minister, Dung had been provincial chairman, secretary of a province’s Party Committee, deputy minister of public security, head of the central economic committee, and governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese legislature is dedicating the entire week to filling the remaining vacancies in the new government.

It has so far named a new chairperson of the National Assembly and a new head of state.

On Thursday, the legislative body will select the new prime minister. The newly elected premier will swear the oath of office.

Lawmakers will then vote to remove such positions as deputy state president, chief judge of the Supreme People’s Court, and head of the Supreme People’s Procuracy.

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