[Editorial] Roh Should Dismiss PM

The ruling Uri Party has decided to tell President Roh Moo-hyun, who comes back to Korea today from a visit to Africa, that the resignation of the prime minister is inevitable. The party reached this conclusion after taking public sentiment into account at a meeting yesterday.

All eyes are now on the decision of the president. During his eight-day visit to Africa, he was reserved on this issue. As officials of the presidential office said, nobody is sure about the fate of the prime minister.

There is the possibility that Roh may start a political game over the resignation of the premier, which is why how it all turns out is anybody’s guess, even when most people think that the prime minister should be dismissed.

As shown by the president’s proposal of a grand coalition last year, and his appointment of Rhyu Si-min as minister of Health and Welfare despite strong opposition, the president sometimes heads off crises in ways that run counter to common sense and conventional wisdom. He might deal with this scandal in the same manner.

The outcry over the prime minister’s golf outing is escalating into a “golf-gate” scandal that is raising questions about the cozy relationship between politicians and businesses that go beyond inappropriate behavior from a senior official. The ruling party is now seeking out face-saving ways to dump the prime minister.

When prosecutors launch an investigation into the manipulation of Youngnam Flour Mills stock in the future, Lee will be subject to investigation.

Roh’s decision will be critical in that it will determine whether his remaining two years in office are successful or not. If he rejects the resignation, or if he delays his decision with excuses, he will find it difficult to lead the government smoothly from now on. The public will turn their back on the president and he will become a lame duck earlier than expected, causing confusion in state affairs, and wasting political energy and resources.

It would be wise for him to embrace Korean public opinion humbly. Roh said that he reconfirmed the elevated status of Korea in the world during his visit to Africa. The pride he felt is the result of the efforts of the Korean people and companies of yesterday and today have made.

Roh should refrain from hurting the feelings of the public. He should make a determined decision to dismiss the premier. He should find a new prime minister and start again. This is how the president should tread.