Cronyism

State surveillance of civilians should be stopped

President Lee Myung-bak was swift in reprimanding a government official who bullied a civilian for posting an anti-government video clip on his blog in 2008. The opposition began the offensive ahead of the by-elections late this month.

Lee's instruction came after the official, Lee In-kyu, head of a team at the Prime Minister's Office, illegally abused administrative authority to let police investigate a retired Kookmin Bank executive. The man, identified as a Kim, had to quit the KB subsidiary he headed.

He had his bank accounts and business expenses combed. Police raided his office to confiscate documents. He said he just posted the clip on his blog to see it later like other Internet users. The clip, made by a Korean-American in the United States, satirizes President Lee's hasty decision to resume imports of American beef in 2008 and justifies the ensuing candlelight vigils.

The government official allegedly pressured KB to force him to quit the subsidiary.

The episode is serious and worrisome. Illegal state surveillance of a civilian has resumed. It should be an isolated case. The oppressive practice prevailed under the authoritarian regimes of Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan in the 1970s and 1980s.

It also infringes upon the freedom of expression in cyber space.

The official bypassed the prime minister's office to report the issue directly to the presidential office.

The official is the head of the unit, which consists mostly of government officials from southeastern Yongil-Pohang regions, hometown of President Lee and his elder brother Rep. Lee Sang-deuk.

It is no coincidence that many of the YP members held key government posts. President Lee should disband the group and other private fraternities inside the government.

The episode also epitomizes the widespread cronyism in officialdom. Despite laudable achievements in economic recovery and hosting the G-20 summit in Seoul, President Lee does not get due respect from the grassroots. Many civil servants are cynical and demoralized because cronyism, exclusivity and alienation are key words in the incumbent administration's personnel management.

In fact, even ministers are allegedly unable to appoint deputies as the presidential office centralized all high-ranking personnel appointments. This forced many public servants to be more loyal to Cheong Wa Dae than to their boss.

Lee is at a critical juncture of his presidency. His predecessors faced premature lame duck situations in the middle of their five-year presidency. Two pro-democracy fighters Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung saw an early waning of their leadership. Corruption scandals involving their sons and cronies jolted the nation. Roh Moo-hyun defied public opinion even after defeat in the local elections four years ago.

Now President Lee is to reshuffle the Cabinet and his secretaries. The success of his presidency will be dependent on his bold decision on personnel management. He should oust sycophants and pick figures capable of activating communication with the people and promoting regional and ideological harmony.