PM Backs Constitutional Amendment

The government’s plan to set up a body to pursue the constitutional amendment for a dual-term presidency proposed by President Roh Moo-hyun is causing controversy.

On January 23, Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook ordered the creation of a government-wide body at a cabinet meeting in the Central Government Building in Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. She said, “It is time to support the president’s proposal to amend the constitution in legal and administrative ways by creating a supporting body. I am deeply disturbed as the president’s sincerity was not accepted properly. The body will consist of related government officials, scholars, politicians, and civic activists covering the widespread public opinion.”

Han added, “We will come up with legal grounds for introducing the body and its management as soon as possible based on consultations with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry of Government Legislation (MOLEG) and the Office of the Prime Minister. When we divide the amendment into two stages, the first stage will be to enhance government administration and overcome the limits of a 5-year single term presidency. The proposal is significant and timely given that it provides a foundation for the second stage, which covers general concepts of the constitution to be discussed in the future.”

However, the minister’s request contrasts with the approach of former prime ministers who consistently took a neutral stance on constitutional amendments in the National Assembly by saying, “The matter is up to politicians.”

It also contrasts with the explanation of Lee Byung-wan, the chief presidential secretary, in a press roundtable of political journalists on January 18, who said, “It is not necessary to establish a governmental committee to revise the constitution.”

Politicians say that the administration’s efforts are to influence public opinion and maintain the president’s administrative and political power at a time when his proposal is losing momentum due to public and political opposition.

Han’s request came a day after she had a regular meeting with President Roh on January 22 and is backed up by claims that she had discussed the issue with senior lawmakers of the ruling party.

One official at the Office of the Prime Minister said, “To support the proposal, she suggested and closely consulted with Cheong Wa Dae.”

The committee is likely to be led by Han and supported by officials under the name of a “supporting body for constitutional revision,” and it will set up an advisory group consisting of civic and academic experts.

Yoon Seung-yong, spokesman for Cheong Wa Dae, said, “As far as I’m concerned, the supporting body will be largely made up of officials from the MOJ and MOLEG, and it will deal with additional issues, including discussions on additional clause revisions and consensus-building.”

ysh1005@donga.com