[Editorial] Voice of Opposition by the Legislature Be Respected

The Congressional Intelligence Committee made an unusual move. It decided to attach to the confirmation hearing minutes a report that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) official-designate Suh Dong-man was not suitable for his job as associate director of the highest intelligence body. The committee opined that his ideology is leaned toward communism. The committee members, both from ruling and opposition parties, stated in the report, "Professor Suh favors the North Korean, and has no experience in the intelligence community. Thus, he is not appropriate for taking a high-ranking position at the National Intelligence Service." Their statement was a de facto opposition to Suh`s taking office.

Professor/nominee Suh stresses that "North Korea is a regime of dual nature to us: enemy and partner for reunification. Thus, we need to balance our perspective of it." As scholar, his balanced approach does not pose any problem. But as a high-ranking official of the intelligence body, it is inappropriate. He, if appointed to the NIS post as wished by the President, has to take an active and critical role, along with the military, in defending the national security against the North Korean regime. Therefore, his emphasis on balanced approach does not sound appropriate as associate director of the NIS.

It is true North and South Korea have exchanged economic programs, and South Korea tries to maintain a peaceful relationship with the North Korean regime. Notwithstanding the facts, the NIS should treat the regime as one of the main national enemies, and do whatever it can to protect and defend the nation. If Suh insists on maintaining his idea, he should wrap up his bid for the NIS post and remain as a scholar.

The Intelligence Committee also adopted a similar negative report against the NIS director-designate Goh Young-goo. The majority of the committee members took stand against Goh.

Unlike in other countries like the United States, confirmation hearing on NIS official candidates does not have any binding authority on the South Korean President in making the final decision. But, President Roh should listen to the voice of the public heard through the legislative body, and take good care in appointing them. Especially, representatives showed a bipartisan stand against Suh. President Roh should heed this fact, and opt for another choice.

Reformation of the NIS conveys a significant meaning to us. Nonetheless, we should not forget the goal: making it more qualified to perform various tasks as an intelligence body. The National Assembly said practically no to nomination of two candidates for the NIS high positions. Now, we are waiting to see what decision the President would come up with.