Roh Still Wants Constitutional Change

President Roh said on January 17, “Nobody knows whether the constitution will be revised or not. But if it doesn’t, I will hold those who opposed it accountable for objection.”

That is what he said in a press briefing for editors-in chief and directors of major press companies held in Cheong Wa Dae, and he added, “If the constitution will not have been amended until the end of the term of my successor, I will hold objectors accountable for the consequences.”

The gathering was the first in 18 months since July 2005 when President Roh suggested forming a coalition government. Thirty-two press and media outlets including Internet media participated in the luncheon meeting. President Roh said, “[holding the opponents accountable] is not that I don’t want to admit defeat. It is a necessary process for our society to turn into one that is more logical and rational. It is not right to turn to the public opinion for one’s decision. The public opinion has changed all the time.”

When asked about the timing of constitutional amendment, he said, “I’m thinking around mid-February. It is not necessary to delay it. I will not wait until the public opinion will change.”

He mentioned, “If the National Assembly rejects the amendment bill, this effort will be suspended. But those who vote no should think about political burden after voting. Politics is all about a just and great cause. Even if the opponents win the National Assembly vote, their party and their candidate will have to bear the burden.”

He argued, “Some might challenge, ‘Is attacking over and over President’s political strategy?’ but voting against the bill is their choice, not mine. In this sense, it couldn’t be my strategy.”

He counter-argued, “Constitutional amendment can be my political strategy only when I have political gains from it. I gain nothing from it.”

He also emphasized, “You should have a foresighted view in politics. The naysayers’ political leeway will be narrowed.”

In regard to economic issues, he said, “Some talk about distress in the economy and public livelihood. I will wait and see campaign pledges on economic growth rate of presidential hopefuls.”

In regard to the purported incompetence of democratic activists-turned-politicians, he said, “Who can dare say they are incompetent just because they made a few mistakes? They are the ones who eliminated all the wrongs for the past 20 years.”

jyw11@donga.com