[Editorial] Lawmaker Choi Don-ung, Answer the Summons

Lawmaker Choi Don-ung of the opposition Grand National Party (GNP), Lawmaker Lee Sang-su of the United New Party, and Do-sul, the former presidential secretary in general affairs who summoned for the SK Group graft scandal, denied the suspicions constantly. Ex-Secretary Choi said, “I didn’t even receive one won.” Lawmaker Choi remarked, “I didn’t take the money for any purpose.” Lawmaker Lee remarked, “I made out a receipt.” All three figures have to cooperate with the prosecution’s investigation if they are right.

But Lawmaker Choi responded, ‘The prosecution abused its authority, and I will cope with this situation as GNP’s problem,” GNP has to stop singing ‘out of season’s song’ whenever their violation of political funds bill or their lawmaker’s scandal has been publicly revealed. People are tired of this type of political action and response.

Lawmaker Choi said, “If Hong Sa-duck, the floor leader of GNP, decides and reports to me his decision, then I will decide the appearance.” Floor leader Hong mentioned, “Lawmaker Choi will go to the prosecution after Lawmaker Lee’s appearance at the prosecution’s office.” The order of going to prosecution’s office doesn’t matter. Moreover if the intention is diluting the national opinion, then these responses are not fair. According to the prosecution’s remark, a large portion of 10billion won received from SK didn’t get issued receipts and there is evidence of illegal requests for personal misappropriation. Lawmaker Choi must not try to evade the prosecutor’s investigation under the protection of a bulletproof assembly which the GNP made up.

Lawmaker Lee also has to bear the responsibility if the presidential election fund, received from SK, is illegal. At the time of presidential election, the source of the MDP’s election fund was from lawmaker Lee, and he had dealt with the money as a Secretary General before he left the MDP.

President Roh Mu-hyun is responsible for mismanaging his associates even if Mr. Choi’s graft act is personal. President Roh has to clarify his position about ex-Secretary Choi’s suspicion.