Outgoing MPK leader calls for constitutional revision
By Kim Hyo-jin
Rep. Kim Chong-in
Rep. Kim Chong-in, the outgoing interim leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), called on political parties, Sunday, to start negotiations on revising the Constitution.
“I propose that the National Assembly set up a special committee to discuss a constitutional revision,” Kim said during a press conference.
The outgoing MPK leader will hand over the reins of the party to a new leader to be elected during the party’s national convention on Aug. 27.
Taking issue with the current single term, five-year presidency, Kim urged Assemblymen to change their thoughts on the constitutional revision.
“While the President, with excessive power, has made decisions on everything, opposition parties were degraded into a rubber stamp and the Assembly does not function at all,” he said.
“The keys to a victory in the next presidential election are showing commitment to economic democratization and strong security. And pledges for a constitutional revision will also affect voter sentiment.”
Kim is a long-standing advocate of a constitutional revision. He has noted that the current Constitution does not reflect social changes made since its last amendment in 1987, grants excessive power to the President, and deters the government from devising mid- and long-term economic policies.
The renewed call was interpreted as his move to make the issue into a debate point among presidential contenders ahead of the presidential race next year.
“The Minjoo Party should clarify its position on the revision of the Constitution before the lead-up to the race,” he said. “A responsible contender, he or she will have to make it clear how to play a role in the process after the scheduled national convention.”
Kim also reiterated that he opposes the party making opposing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery its official position.
Criticizing some hard-line lawmakers’ push for such a move, Kim said “The party should make a wise decision if it wants to be a responsible competent party and win the presidential election.”