Lawmaker Kim Keun-Tae Shows Dissent

Signs of discord between President Roh Moo-hyun and the leadership of his ruling Uri Party have continued to emerge since President Roh’s opposition to the Uri Party’s parliamentary election pledge to publicize building costs for new apartments.

The Uri Party’s former floor leader, Kim Keun-tae, on June 14 released a report regarding the different views on the apartment cost issue between the presidential office and the Uri Party. “It is impossible to reverse the parliamentary election pledge. If so, we ought to ask the public for its approval on this matter, following proper procedures and steps, so that they can fully understand,” said Kim. “Since we promised to open the apartment costs to the public, we should still give positive consideration to the problem,” he added.

“We don’t have to be afraid of having a fierce argument between the Uri Party and the government or between the Uri Party and Cheong Wa Dae. Rather, we could easily find the solution to the other issues if we came to a conclusion on impending issues like the housing cost after narrowing down the differences on this,” Kim argued. “Let’s have a deep consultation regardless of position or rank in the party or the government. It would not be too late to call us to order after that.”

“In the last parliamentary election, we (the ruling party) pledged to prudently consider that issue since the average citizens had suffered from over-charged housing costs. Thus, we cannot reverse the promise overnight. We need to thoroughly follow our principles even in this situation,” insisted the former Uri Party whip.

Uri Party Chairman Shin Ki-nam told a party meeting, “It’s natural that conflicting opinions between the government and the Uri Party exist. However, whose opinion would be adopted or not is not important. I will not be afraid of facing such disagreements.” Shin also reassured that the Uri Party would stick to the party principle on the building cost issue in the next negotiation session with the government.

Young-Chan Yoon yyc11@donga.com