Probe into Lee’s home delayed
By Chung Min-uck
President Lee Myung-bak Tuesday deferred a parliamentary motion to launch an investigation into suspicions over his retirement home project, according to presidential spokesman Park Jeong-ha.
“(The presidential office) decided to take more time since two to three more days are left before the deadline,” Lee was quoted as saying after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. “The issue has been discussed during previous Cabinet meetings and we have been collecting opinions from experts lately.”
Following the delay, Lee has to decide whether to veto or endorse the motion by Friday. The bill arrived at the presidential office on Sept. 6. Under law, the decision can be extended upon request but not for more than 15 days.
Observers speculate Lee will make the final call in a special Cabinet meeting on Friday.
The presidential office brought into question a provision in the bill which calls for the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) to unilaterally recommend candidates to be the special prosecutor in charge of the investigation.
“President Lee is positive about accepting the probe but has concerns over the problematic provision in the bill,” Park said.
“In this case, the DUP becomes the accuser and investigator at the same time. That is legally unfair,” said Justice Minister Kwon Jae-jin who attended the Cabinet meeting.
Lawmakers earlier passed a special investigation bill on the now-defunct project of building Lee’s retirement home in Naegok-dong, southern Seoul. The project came under fire as the land was jointly bought by Si-hyung, Lee’s son, and the presidential security service together with Lee. The suspicion is that the scheme was aimed to allow Lee’s 34-year-old son to buy the land below market price as the security service allegedly paid higher prices.
Lee’s aides have strongly objected to such claims.
Prosecutors earlier wrapped up an inquiry into the scandal without filing charges against anyone involved. This in turn sparked public criticism. Lee later scrapped the project.
Following the announcement of holding off of the decision, the DUP was quick to capitalize on the scandal to gain an upper hand ahead of the upcoming Dec. 19 presidential election.
“Lee should accept the investigation no matter what,” said DUP spokesman Park Yong-jin, Tuesday. “If Lee rejects the motion it could be understood that Lee and the Saenuri Party have been discussing the issue behind back doors.”
“If vetoed, the decision must have been made during Sept. 2 meeting between Lee and Park Geun-hye,” Park added. “This means the Saenuri Party is also responsible for Lee’s irregularities and corruption.”
President Lee met Rep. Park Geun-hye, the ruling Saenuri Party’s presidential candidate, earlier this month, a sign of a breakthrough in their strained relations.
Meanwhile, the ruling Saenuri Party is concerned that the scandal if handled poorly could deal a severe blow to its chances in December's presidential election. Insiders say, if the situation gets worse, the ruling party will seek to distance itself again from the unpopular Lee administration. Lee’s term ends in February next year.