The National Assembly passed a contentious bill Thursday that would expedite the launch of a new investigative body handling high-profile corruption cases amid fierce protest from conservative opposition lawmakers. The revision bill on the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) law passed a plenary session in a 187-99 vote. One lawmaker abstained.
Absence of bipartisanship
Ruling party criticized for tyranny of majority
The National Assembly wrapped up a 100-day regular plenary session Wednesday, approving more than 110 bills. Yet the ruling and opposition parties cannot avoid criticism for having engaged in political bickering and partisan strife over thorny issues and contentious bills. It is regrettable that the rival parties have failed to work for bipartisanship at the Assembly.
First of all, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) should take the blame for railroading controversial bills without reaching a consensus with the opposition parties. One example was the unilateral passage of the fair economy bills amendments to the Commercial Act, the Fair Trade Act, and the Financial Groups Oversights Act.
President Moon Jae-in welcomed the passage of a bill Thursday on facilitating the launch of a non-prosecution body tasked with investigating corruption among senior government officials. He said it s "fortunate" that the way has been opened for the speedy establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok. The president.
The National Assembly on Wednesday approved a number of bills, including those related to corporate governance, police overhaul and labor reform. But a highly contentious proposal aimed at facilitating the launch of a new investigative agency for high-profile corruption failed to pass due to objection by the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). The ruling Democratic Party (DP) said it will proceed with the bil.
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