Major Personnel Shifts Expected in Government Affiliated Organizations

Cheong Wa Dae ordered government ministries and agencies to figure out management conditions of their affiliated organizations in order to reform the personnel system in public enterprises and government-related institutions. There has been controversy over the so-called appointment of outsiders to high posts in such institutions.

As Cheong Wa Dae plans to receive reports from government ministries and agencies and reflect the reports in the appointment of chiefs in government affiliated organizations, major personnel shifts are expected.

At a meeting of senior secretaries and advisors on Thursday, President Roh Moo-hyun ordered that recommendations should be given in an open way, and that there should be a system to collect related people`s opinions for fair appointments.

In a telephone interview with this paper, Jeong Chan-yong, presidential advisor for personnel affairs, said, "We ordered ministries and agencies to report on the management condition in 400 establishments such as government-related institutions, state-run research institutes and state-run companies by April 7. Plans on a new personnel system will be submitted at a cabinet meeting after the plans go through deliberation by the senior secretary for civil affairs and personnel advice groups."

"We respect the term of office of chiefs of such institutions but do not guarantee the term [when the chiefs make errors]," he said, suggesting that they will call institutions whose management is slack to account.

"Cheong Wa Dae will not say who should not be appointed, but it will make sure that the appointment of chiefs of affiliated organizations are subject to a multi-step process consisting of recommendation, discussion, and verification, like the appointment of ministers," Presidential Advisor Jeong said.

Taking into account the condition of government-affiliated organizations, Cheong Wa Dae decided to set up a new personnel system after considering all options such as establishing a committee for recommendation of chief candidates; recommendation through a board of directors; participation of trade unions in recommendation.

Meanwhile, regarding the controversy over parachuting outsiders into high posts, president Roh said, "The word `parachute` should not be used at random. It is not proper to say parachuting only because the president or ministers are engaged in appointments."

Young-Hae Choi yhchoi65@donga.com