During Tuesday's weekly cabinet meeting, prime minister Lee Hae Chan apologized to the country for the inappropriate golf he played on the March First holiday. Meanwhile there are new allegations he has to face that are only growing.
People are now asking whether there was "illegal lobbying" by businessmen from Busan, men who were among those Lee played golf with, in the course of the Fair Trade Commission's decision on how much to fine the milling industry for price fixing. There also need to be answers about whether there was outside influence exercised in how Lee Ki U, vice education minister, former chairman of the Korea Teachers Credit Union, and a close associate of the prime minister, bought shares in a company owned by a certain "Rhu," who was also part of the golf party. Finally, people want to know about the relationship between the prime minister and the Busan businessmen. The Grand National Party (GNP) is demanding his resignation, a prosecution investigation, and an official National Assembly inquiry.
First there needs to be an explanation by Lee and those involved. The prime minister and the government may feel the situation is unfair. Even if the allegations are being made just to make allegations, they are public servants and have an obligation to give the people a good faith explanation they can make sense of. Investigations by the prosecution and the National Assembly are things that can be considered later.
As for whether he should step down or not, he has already expressed his willingness to resign so the right thing to do would be to wait and see what becomes of the allegations. He admits the timing of his golf date and his companions at the time were inappropriate, but there is debate among both lawmakers and the general public as to whether that alone should be reason to have him step down. It would never be too late to judge that after determining whether there was anything illegal, improper, or immoral about the golf gathering or other activities on Lee's part. It does not help the people or the country to be engaged in a wasteful political fight not based in fact.
The Hankyoreh, 8 March 2006.
[Translations by Seoul Selection]
[Editorial] Start With the Truth About PM's Golf Party |
