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Questions could signal a new fight
February 23, 2008
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| Following news reports that revealed the substantial wealth enjoyed by Lee Myung-bak’s nominees for cabinet, liberal politicians yesterday questioned the ability of the appointees to serve the nation when they enjoy so much privilege. In financial reports disclosed to the National Assembly, Lee’s minister nominees had average assets of nearly 4 billion won ($4.2 million). When outgoing president Roh Moo-hyun took office, his cabinet had an average of 1.38 billion won. “It’s not wrong to be rich, but think how the people will feel when they hear that the assets of the 15 ministers altogether add up to 58.7 billion won,” said Sohn Hak-kyu, the head of the United Democratic Party, during a party meeting. His remark triggered an avalanche from liberals. Woo Sang-ho, the UDP spokesman, said that the president-elect picked only wealthy people as his ministers because he himself is a rich man who owns a lot of land, a reference to past allegations over Lee’s alleged land holdings. “In Korea, there is a certain stereotype about owning a lot of real estate,” Woo said. “And considering this, comprising the cabinet of those who are rich in real estate shows no consideration for ordinary people [who cannot even afford to buy houses].” The UDP was most critical of Lee Chun-ho, the minister nominee for Gender Equality, who reported that she had apartment homes, studio apartments and plots of land in 25 places across country. “She might as well be called the real estate minister not the gender equality minister,” said Woo. “Will she be able to create policies for common people?” Other UDP lawmakers joined in. Some said they are considering boycotting next week’s hearings for a few minister nominees, including Lee Chun-ho and Nam Joo-hong, the minister nominee for unification. As for Nam, critical lawmakers say its not his wealth but his rigid views on North Korea that make him an inappropriate choice to become unification minister. “Nam is against talking with Pyongyang,” said UDP lawmaker Choi Jae-sung, “We are thinking of boycotting the hearing for these two people.” “You can’t ban a person from becoming a cabinet member just because he has more assets than others,” said Lee Dong-kwan, Lee Myung-bak’s spokesman. “This is a democratic country with a free market economy.” By Lee Min-a Staff Reporter/ Im Jang-hyuk JoongAng Ilbo [mina@joongang.co.kr] |
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