[Editorial] “Regaining Confidence” Not in This Manner

In a press conference on October 11, while President Roh Moo-hyun was explaining the background of his decision, he pointed out that the National Assembly and some of the local press had complicated him. But this statement is unconvincing and also inappropriate, since Roh, at first, mentioned that he would ask the public’s confidence because his morality seemed damaged by the suspicions of his close aides’ corruption. Overall, he changed his words now to shuffle on to the opposition party and the press overnight.

It is reasonable that the Grand National Party (GNP) and the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) are retorting that President Roh is planning to “make a use of the public confidence in him with a view to reorganize political system.” Even for the method of national referendum suggested by Roh, some politicians said, “We will be caught in a trap if we accept it.” President Roh may take these reactions as depreciating his resolution, but apparently the proposal he made on October 10 should not be lead in this way.

In such a situation, we cannot but demand for President Roh’s reflections first. It is no use to repeat his appointment of the key leaders if Roh keeps thinking “I don’t understand what that ‘code personnel’ means.” Is it true that below 20 percent of public’s support rate results from the opposition party and the press? What the Korean people really must focus on the most is whether the President’s idea was brought by self-examination from the bottom of his heart, before mentioning the assessment of public’s confidence. Only his reflection on the past could bring us a hope for our nation and the political atmosphere after the public’s assessment to the president.

Collective resignation of Cheongwadae’s high officials and the Cabinet were also to blame. Their actions may be seemed to show some sort of responsibility for the president’s decision, however, it is doubtful how many peoples can think of these other than as a formal attitude. They eventually made the innocent people startled at unexpected news.

President Roh and the Cabinet should move forward with full attention in such a situation. It is a tough time for them to plan the budget for the next year and handle imminent economic problems, with either the method or the date of assessment being unfixed yet. It is useless to transfer the responsibility to others.