Parliamentary speaker should resign, face probe

Rep. Ko Sung-doug of the ruling Grand National Party has pointed at National Assembly Speaker Park Hee-tae as the person who handed over cash-filled envelopes at the party`s 2008 convention. Ko told prosecutors that he saw a business card reading “Park Hee-tae” in the envelope containing 3 million won (2,590 U.S. dollars). Park denies the allegation, but what Ko said is pretty specific and detailed. Barring a turn of events, Park could become Korea`s first parliamentary speaker to be investigated during his term.

Ko told reporters Monday, “The shopping bag was full of identical yellow envelopes. I assume that (Park) visited many lawmakers to give money.” A source said a man from the Park camp delivered envelopes containing 500,000 won (431 dollars) to 30 directors of district party offices in Seoul. Prosecutors increased the number of staff in preparation for the probe, which reflects that the scope of the investigation could be broadened.

Park claims that he had limited access to incumbent lawmakers back then because he was out of the National Assembly. The pro-Lee Myung-bak faction of the ruling party made strategic efforts to select Park as parliamentary speaker for stable management of the party. Prosecutors should find the truth via a thorough investigation. The National Assembly speaker is the head of the legislative branch and symbol of parliament`s authority. This is why he or she should have no issues with morality. The state of play, however, could taint the reputation of the entire legislative body.

Park said in his New Year`s speech, “I will do my best from alpha to omega for our country`s harmony and reunification.” He recalled in a private setting that he was one of the younger members when he was a lawmaker in the 13th National Assembly that was elected in April 1988. He had previously served as a high-ranking prosecutor and justice minister. If he respects the post of parliamentary speaker, he should boldly step down from the position with four months remaining and undergo criminal probe.

Lee Yong-sun, co-chairman of the main opposition Democratic Unity Party, said he will ask prosecutors for an investigation if necessary on suspicions over the money distribution of chairman candidates before the party convention. The opposition party can be no exception to the bribery crackdown. Breaking with corrupt politics can only reassure voters.