Lawmaker Calls for Relocation of Courts
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
A senior lawmaker of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) proposed Thursday a plan B on the Sejong City project, calling for the relocation of non-ministry bodies such as the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.
Rep. Kim Moo-sung, who is close to former GNP Chairwoman Park Geun-hye, told reporters that the deep divide between supporters of President Lee Myung-bak and followers of Park over the project has put the nation at peril.
"I think replacing the original plan to relocate ministries with the alternative plan to establish a business hub in the new city is reasonable. The former will result in ineffectiveness in the public sector due to the division of government functions," he said.
"But keeping the promise that we, lawmakers, made five years ago by passing the relocation plan through bipartisan support is also important."
The four-term lawmaker called for a third way that could satisfy the two sides, suggesting the relocation of courts and committees into Sejong City.
The proposal came amid supporters of President Lee and Park's confidants showing no sign of narrowing their differences.
Pro-Lee lawmakers pushed for the GNP's endorsement of the alternative plan, demanding floor leader Ahn Sang-soo convene a caucus Monday to vote on the matter.
Supporters of Park opposed it, calling the move a divisive act.
Floor leader Ahn said he would convene a caucus, noting the get-together is not for a vote on the alternative plan but all GNP lawmakers will be invited to present their views.