Time to get tougher with corrupt officials
A new code of conduct for those who hold public office will go into effect starting today, with drastically strengthened ethics regulations against corrupt behavior. The revised code prohibits them from requesting that citizens get special consideration for their individual interests by exercising their authority or influence.
In detail, the new code bans the public servants' requests for private sponsorship, special consideration for job positions or promotions, the leak of professional secrets and intervention in school administration related to admissions exams and evaluations of students and so on.
In particular, high-ranking officials are banned from exercising influence in having their organizations or affiliated agencies employ their family members or make private contracts for the purchase of goods, construction work and services.
The code of conduct for public servants was established by a presidential decree in 2003 based on Article 8 of the Corruption Prevention Law, with legally binding force that officials must abide by. However, never-ending wrongdoing by public officials has raised a strong need to reinforce the ethics regulations for the revised code of conduct.
Of course, there are pros and cons about the new code in terms of its effectiveness. For instance, the code makes it compulsory for public servants to report to the chief of their organizations even their private meetings with citizens with whom they have individual close ties.
Nonetheless, the new code is well-timed since public officials' irregularities are showing no signs of abating to the disappointment of the people. If the new code is enforced properly, the deep-rooted misdeeds of public officials are expected to decrease sharply.
What is more important for the termination of public corruption is public officials' determination will to live righteously as servants of the nation and its people. The law cannot solve the problem alone.
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