GNP’s Launching of Election Committee: Blueprint for Administration Proposed

Presidential candidate Lee Hui-chang of Grad National Party (GNP) announced the blueprint of his administration at the launching ceremony of his Presidential Election Committee (PEC) on September 12, 2002.

His short-term aim is to dispose of business entities in red. Lee stressed, “If I become the president, I will enact a special law and dispose of Kim Dae Jung administration’s legacy of unhealthy financial institutions and corporations within one year from the inauguration. I will hold all the people accountable for their misconduct regarding burgeoning national debt and public fund.”

Lee proposed his “Project of President” consisting of 5 major ideas such as realization of clean government, rejuvenation of economy, distribution of welfare benefits to the poor, prevention of disasters and fulfillment of national tasks such as sound national security, and building up of fundamentals for unification through peace policies. He also emphasized the need for setting up of a national disaster management organization.

Regarding the returning visitation by North Korean leader Kim Jung Il, He opposed it in a press conference saying, “It is reasonable to meet the head of next president when the new administration takes office.” At the same time, he criticized this administration’s decision to use only the Korean Peninsula flag in Busan Asian Games. He said, “It’s wrong for a hosting country not to use her own national flag. Why should we use the Korean Peninsula flag in its place?”

At the launching ceremony of the PEC, on hand were former Prime Ministers such as Hyun Sung-jong, Nam Duk-woo and Noh Shin-young, attracting attention. One close aid to candidate Lee said, “Other than them, a couple of former Premiers have promised their support for Lee. In addition, influential political figures would serve on a subcommittee of the PEC.” Lee reported has poured in a considerable amount of efforts to win their support.

On Sep. 13, Lee is scheduled to attend the second Policy Forum, which handles many topics such as housing and education, which are of special interest to the young. The following day, he will visit Yesan, Choongnam Province, and pay tribute to his late ancestors.

Yeon-Wook Jung jyw11@donga.com