[Editorial] Confusing Roh’s Request For Neural Cabinet

Yesterday, Roh Moo-hyun, the presidential candidate of the Millennium Democratic Party, requested President Kim set up a cabinet neutral from all political interests. Cheong Wa Dae, in response, expressed regrets. It stressed that only president has the power to reshuffle. But both did not act prudently and appropriately.

First of all, Cheong Wa Dae’s response reveals its bias. It seems to believe that nobody other than the president can request or propose reshuffling. The response sounds like a warning that such request or proposal is infringing on the president’s authorities. How could we say we live in a democratic country when we are not allowed to make such a suggestion? It is the public’s right to request for change of cabinet members if they are not believed up to their duties. The authority to reshuffle may solely belong to the president. But it is his duty to listen to the public and reflect their request in appointment of cabinet members. President Kim himself, prior to taking office, had frequently made such requests.

In the meanwhile, Roh’s request itself does not sound convincing, either. He suggested that Grand National Party (GNP) also be allowed to make recommendations in selecting officials at the election-monitoring or –related bodies such as Office of Prime Minister, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs. GNP is making a counter-attack on the suggestion, “We have never said we wanted to participate in cabinet-appointment.” Previously, the opposing parties made frequent requests for reshuffling prior to elections in order to prevent the government’s involvement. But now, watching the candidate of the ruling party makes such request, we feel more perplexed.

The fairness in the upcoming by- and re-elections may become a hot potato again. In addition, our “election culture” leads us to guess the high probability of government’s involvement in election procedures. But the consensus for realization of fair and impartial elections has rooted deep into our society. That is why the June 13th local elections were held without a big hitch.

Yesterday’s Roh’s request and the following response by Cheong Wa Dae were far from what the general public has in mind. Such imprudent acts of politicians explain why the public turns their back on them.