[Editorial] President Makes Wise Choice Regarding Special Aides

The Blue House has reportedly accepted the advice of the press and decided to postpone appointment of his ten special presidential aides. Inferred from this decision is the newly demonstrated flexibility of President Roh. This seems part of some type of change shown in the President`s operation of the nation. The press has criticized the President for his previous decision to appoint uncompensated special aides since it suspects that the appointment is targeted at enabling a win in the next general election. Even while setting suspicions aside, the President`s previous decision carried quite a number of problems.

Some special aide candidates are not qualified for the job and duties accompanying it. For example, Ahn Hee-chung, a powerful brain of President Roh, is accused of his involvement in bribery; and now alleges that he is a political prisoner, and has organized a defense team consisting of ordinary citizens. Another figure is accused of helping the President`s brother amass wealth illegally. Yet another candidate has stirred up trouble between the ruling Millennium Democratic Party and those who oppose the birth of a new party.

But the story did not stop there. A handful of President Roh`s campaign staff reportedly demanded spots on the special-aide hopefuls` list, stressing how much they contributed to Roh`s winning the election. Their demands put the Blue House in hot water for some time. All the examples occurred during the selection process of the "candidates." Imagine what would have happened if the Blue House pushed ahead with the rest of the process! In addition, other practical reasons have led President Roh to put his previous decision on hold.

As we have repeatedly pointed out in our editorial, the most damaging effect from appointment of special aides with only authorities lies in possible mushrooming of bribery cases and nullification of the normal function of the cabinet. Ordinary people can easily see these problems. Thus, if the Blue House had kept pushing ahead, it would have been a self-destruction game.

The appointment should not be temporary. President Roh should discard the whole plan for good. The Blue House, however, hints that President Roh still wishes to go ahead with the plan at some time in the future. President Roh should know better: he would be much better off without the plan. His inner circle should persuade him into abandoning his wishes. We don`t want to see the matter stirred up any longer.

We sincerely hope and wish that the Blue House continues listening to constructive criticism by the press as it did this time. That is the best way to minimize errors and mistakes that could possibly occur in the operation of the country.