PM Bears ‘Full Responsibility’ for Bill’s Rejection

Prime Minister Chung Un-chan said Wednesday that he will take “full responsibility” for the government`s failure to have its bill on revising the Sejong City project pass the National Assembly.

He made the announcement in a nationally televised news conference. Though mum on whether he will resign, he will likely express his will to step down after President Lee Myung-bak returns home Saturday from an overseas trip.

“The Sejong City revision bill was my cross to bear,” Chung said, adding he would have made the same decision had he been able to go back to September last year.

He said he thought the issue would have been resolved if he appealed to “justice and reason,” expressing regret that his voice was muffled by those of politicians who incited the sentiment of Chungcheong residents.

Chung also said he failed to persuade the people and his opponents because of lack of ability and sincerity, adding that no matter how good a policy is, it cannot be achieved if it fails to overcome the barriers of political reality.

“I am worried over how our history and descendants will evaluate the National Assembly’s decision yesterday. I’m worried that the decision will go down in history as a representative case of political interest trumping national interest.”

Chung pledged to respect parliament’s decision and do his best to make Sejong City “a good city” as envisioned by the original law. “Public opinion should be divided no longer over the issue, and I hope all controversy and feuds end,” he said.

pen@donga.com