Govt. Guarantees Opportunities for the Reformist Minority

President Roh Moo-hyun on Monday said: “Many people think that the Roh government tolerates illegal activities, which does not threaten national interests, to some extent. But they misunderstand the government. I will order government agencies to take a tough stance on any illegal activities.”

The President gave a luncheon to about 280 police leaders at Cheong Wa Dae today. He outlined his reform policies while stressing their role in efforts to build a society where human rights are protected and law and order are respected. “I have listened to the voices of workers and have tried to resolve disputes through negotiation and dialogue,” he said during his speech. “My intention is to wait until the negotiations and dialogue address conflicts of the concerned parties, and not to tolerate any illegal actions.”

In addition, to defuse concerns about his controversial remarks that he would foster reformist forces within government agencies, the President said his intention is to give opportunities to those officials who have ideas for reform in the process of handling state affairs. The President said he wants to directly appeal to government officials and muster their support for his campaign to root out authoritarianism, favoritism and corruption in the nation`s bureaucracy.

The President also criticized those showing a critical view on his remarks regarding “establishing reform forces” by saying that “although they seemed to be criticizing me for trying to carry out a Korean version of the Cultural Revolution in China or taking the side of reformists, they seem to be adding cold water to the government`s reform drive.”

He continued that previous governments promised to form a task force for reform, but failed to carry out any reforms. However, this time is different. Meanwhile, strengthening the “four” powerful government agencies, such as the National Intelligence Service, the Prosecution, the police and the National Tax Office, he said that he would guarantee political neutrality for those law enforcement agencies. “I will never instruct them to carry out inappropriate orders always keeping political considerations in mind,” he said.

“The national police should reinforce its capability for gathering information related to social order and public well-being, given that the NIS deals with intelligence related to national security. By doing so, the national police force can play a key role in providing pivotal support to the government,” Mr. Roh said.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com