groups. These discussions imply that greater religious options and individual freedom
play a role in the popularity of such groups in Vietnam.
It should be noted, however, that many state-linked Vietnamese researchers have
also seen their task as reporting to the authorities on the validity of these groups and
suggesting how the state should respond. Contributors to the Ban Dân vân Trung ̣
ương volume promote the removal of ‘malignant’ (du˜̛) new religious groups from
society. Đô˜ Quang Hưng, meanwhile, expresses his concern about groups that criticise
present society through their worship of HồChí Minh.20 Some researchers have proposed
anti-cult solutions in order to close such groups, reduce their scope of activity,
or put them under strict surveillance.