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| Cho Kuk, left, a senior presidential secretary for civil affairs and Kang Gi-jung, a presidential secretary for political affairs before having a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, Tuesday. / Yonhap |
By Park Ji-won
Cheong Wa Dae's senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Cho Kuk said Monday that it was National Assembly's decision on whether to give more power to the police.
Citing the possibility of revising a fast-tracked bill on repurposing investigative rights between the police and prosecution before it is passed, Cho said; "It is the Assembly's job to deal with this when reviewing the bill."
"The prosecution and police can each submit opinion letters, during the legislative process. But the Assembly holds authority for a final decision, which must be respected. The prosecution, police and Cheong Wa Dae cannot overturn the Assembly's decision," Cho wrote on Facebook, Monday afternoon.
Cho made it clear that he recognizes concerns on the matter. "Of course, there are certain ways for the prosecution to oversee the authority of the police. But any worries about this should be eliminated, and President Moon's voice should be properly reflected."
The remarks came after Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il openly condemned the Assembly's move to fast-track reform bills, last week, especially on giving the police the authority to launch initial fact-finding missions into alleged misconduct by high-ranking government officials.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) joined forces with three minor opposition parties to fast-track the reform bills which will increase the number of proportional representation seats in the Assembly, establish a special investigative unit to look into alleged corruption by high-ranking government officials, and expand the police's independent investigative authority.
The pending bills were processed by the DPK-led alliance move to fast track them, however, they can be revised through an agreement between the political parties before being put to a vote at a regular Assembly session. If there is no bipartisan agreement on this, the original bills will be legislated into law.
Prosecutor-General Moon opposed the move due to prosecutors worrying about losing power.
Meanwhile, Cho, who is also one of the top confidants of President Moon, defended the readjusting of investigative authority as it is designed to create checks and balances.
"The Moon Jae-in administration's reform drive being imposed on the governmental organizations is not made to represent any specific institution. The bills are designed to ensure a system of checks and balances for the prosecution, police and the new investigative body."
"I hope the fast-tracked bills can be passed this year."
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