[Editorial] Paying Heed to the Words of Uri Party Chairman Chung Dong-young

Uri Party Chairman Chung Dong-young stated, “Reform should be implemented in an orderly fashion.” They say that instead of raising voices and creating conflict, finding common ground between the people and both majority and minority parties is the more natural and better course to take. This is wise thinking. When we consider that the results of the general election were an “Expression of the People’s Will,” the words of Chairman Chung are worth heeding.

However, we are already beginning to see the appearance of factions and indications of dissent within the Uri Party as it sets out to set reform priorities. One faction within the Uri Party is using the “Power of Pro-Labor” as a basis to say, “If we reflect on what the significance of the Uri Party’s majority of seats is, it is a mandate to implement reform measures that break away from the past.” With this in mind, they are opposing the Chung faction. However, they should keep in mind that if they do not use their majority status for the benefit of the people, and instead engage in factional infighting, the people’s support can easily revert into resentment.

Reform is necessary to correct social contradictions. However, it is a lesson of history that in order to successfully implement any reform, it is important not only to pursue the reform itself, but also to ascertain and take into account the views of the opposition. Unilateral reform not only hampers efforts to change society and the nation, it can create divisiveness. In addition, reform efforts outside the framework of a liberal democracy and a market system is even more difficult to accept.

Even so, the Roh administration is realizing that in taking a self-righteous reformist attitude of “I’m right and you’re wrong” for over a year, it failed to unite the people. Against this backdrop, if the Uri Party uses the numerical majority it gained through the General Elections to simply institute unilateral reforms, the people will be forced to go over to the other side.

It is heartening to hear Chairman Chung pointing out the dangers of single-minded and unilateral reform. Chairman Chung has stated, “From a methodological point of view, when reforming, it is important to ‘put yourself in the other person’s shoes’.” The people will be looking to see if Chairman Chung’s words are implemented.