Saenuri says committed to pushing forward political reform

The head of the ruling Saenuri Party said Tuesday that efforts are underway to push forward sweeping political reforms aimed at stamping out corruption cited for fueling mistrust and hurting national unity.

In a speech marking the start of the National Assembly's plenary session, Rep. Hwang Woo-yea said the "painful" changes will be focused on creating a new political environment and permanently evicting corrupt politicians.

"Saenuri strongly feels that change is needed and is resolute in its stance to deal with corruption even if it means soliciting outside assistance," the five-term lawmaker said.

The party recently named Ahn Dae-hee, a former Supreme Court justice to chair its political reform committee, which is charged with implementing policies to root out corruption, particularly among people in power. Ahn earned fame after he investigated the transfer of a carload of illegal political funds to help the presidential hopeful for the Grand National Party (GNP) in 2002. The GNP is the predecessor of the Saenuri Party.

Hwang, in addition, touched on inter-Korean relations and called for a "balanced approach" in dealing with the communist country.

"The country must deal firmly with any North Korean provocation, but there is a need to carry out humanitarian assistance," he said.

He said the government should consider expanding support for the Kaesong Industrial Complex, just north of the demilitarized zone that is home to many South Korean companies. He said Seoul should examine ways to offer assistance to North Koreans who have been hit hard by flooding.

On Japan's consistent provocation over the Dokdo islets, he called on parliament to create a non-partisan committee that can come up with concerted policies to cope with unfounded territorial claims against South Korea's sovereignty.

The party chief, meanwhile, said Saenuri will do its utmost to examine ways to improve the livelihoods of ordinary people that includes expanding social welfare outlays, job creation and economic democratization.

He pointed out that the ruling party is exploring policies to give subsidies to parents of babies and toddlers, take measures to significantly reduce college tuition and come up with ways to help people find work that best fits their respective capabilities.

Hwang, highlighting mounting economic uncertainties, said Seoul's economic policymakers should seriously consider asking for a supplementary budget to bolster growth.

The government predicted in June that the country could grow 3.3 percent in 2012, but there are concerns that growth will fall into the 2 percent range, mainly because of falling exports and investment caused by eurozone woes. (Yonhap)