Cabinet reshuffle on Monday

President Kim Dae-Jung will conduct a partial cabinet reshuffle Monday to mark the beginning of the second half of his five-year tenure.

But the Cabinet shakeup could be postponed until Tuesday and its scope may expand somewhat if the final scrutiny of candidates is delayed, government sources said.

Presidential spokesman Park Joon-Young said Sunday that there had been no major changes in the President`s basic ideas on the cabinet reorganization.

¡°Since the President has been emphasizing the importance of team operation` in the four sectors of economics, diplomacy and security, human resources and social affairs, the projected Cabinet reshuffle will focus on ensuring teamwork,¡¯¡¯ the spokesman said.

The spokesman confirmed that the President would not recruit incumbent lawmakers, either from regional or national constituencies, for any cabinet posts. The President will announce the list of new cabinet members at the recommendation of Prime Minister Lee Han-Dong, indicating that Kim will meet Lee Monday to discuss the reshuffle. Meanwhile, Planning and Budget Minister Jin Nyum is most likely to be named Finance and Economy Minister, a position that will be upgraded to Deputy Prime Minister as soon as an amendment to the Government Organization Law passes through the National Assembly.

Myungji University`s Song Ja is expected to be tapped as Education Minister, a post that will also be raised to Deputy Prime Minister according to the revised law, sources said.