[Editorial] President Roh, We Expect “Big Politics” to Be Done

It is such a regrettable act that President Roh Moo-hyun has vetoed the special investigation bill regarding the corruption of his close aides and has requested for a re-voting process. We have repeatedly asserted through this column that it is natural to accept the bill since it was passed with the absolute majority of two-thirds of the present representatives at the National Assembly, which exceeds the requisite for re-voting. It was because we have worried about the extreme confrontation between the governing and the opposition party and the political dismay that will be caused by the veto. Despite this, President Roh chose to veto, and it is a wrong choice.

President Roh gave a lengthy description that he had no other choice but to veto. He said that the veto is a right of the president secured by the Constitution and that the bill violates the principle of checks and balances regarding the right of proceedings of the prosecution if the special investigation takes effect while the prosecution’s investigation is still in process. He has a point. However, as a president of a country, he has to first think about the destructive impacts induced by his decision of exerting the right of veto.

The Grand National Party is the leading opposition party with more than half of the seats at the Assembly. If they refuse to attend the Assembly sessions, not a single bill, as well as the New Year budget bill, will be passed or even discussed since the number of present representative will not meet the required number for a vote. The act of the president, despite this obvious reality, can only be interpreted to be that he is playing “gut” politics as if saying, “Now, we’ll see what the opposition can do.” The president has said the GNP has been “threatening” him by often mentioning impeachment. However, that cannot be a reason to make him determined to become a train headed straight towards an oncoming train.

It is hardly understandable that he would suggest a separate special investigation bill when the prosecution’s investigation finishes. This remark can only come under the premise that the prosecution’s investigation could not be executed fairly and strictly. If the investigation is not fair and strict, the president also will not be free from the responsibility that he had held the right of personnel management. How can he suggest a new bill under such circumstances? In that case, it is more logical and justifiable to accept the special investigation bill suggested by the opposition party now.

It was the president himself who said that he would accept the special investigation if the political world agrees. If so, he has to accept the bill by the National Assembly. There is no justification whatsoever to giving insecurities to people. The president, by all means, should engage in “big politics.”