New economic DPM to implement partial pump-priming measures

Jin Nyum, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance-Economy Minister, said Monday that he was not afraid to say "no" when necessary to demands from the ruling party or the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae.

In a press meeting upon his appointment as the "economic deputy prime minister," Jin said that it would be impossible for him to tackle everything strictly on the basis of economic principles but that he would not allow himself to be swayed by outside influences.

He said he would neither try to read the minds of others nor unquestioningly accept the demands of the political sphere, but would instead carry out his duties according to his own convictions.

He said that he would not push policies designed to curry favor with the public.

The nation's top economic official said the economy would see considerable difficulties during the first quarter.

He said that he would implement partial pump-priming measures to invigorate the regional economies and stabilize the people's livelihood, provided the changes fit in with the government's macroeconomic policy plans.