By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
Floor leader Kim Hyo-seuk of the United New Democratic Party (UNDP) called Tuesday for the formation of an inter-party committee to scrutinize the controversial project to build an in-land waterway.
He also criticized the government downsizing plan proposed by President-elect Lee Myung-bak's transition team, which will likely hinder the passage of related-bills during the National Assembly session that started Monday.
``Lee proposed the grand waterway project to create jobs and increase the economic growth rate during election campaigning,'' Kim said in a speech at the Assembly. ``But now, opinions from various walks of life are necessary because it is difficult to restore dug-up lands.''
He claimed the incoming government should study how the canal project would affect the environment and contribute to economic growth.
The two-term lawmaker also stressed it was essential to retain the Unification Ministry for the promotion of inter-Korean relations.
``The ministry's functions need to be revised following the policy line of the incoming government. But there are some things that we cannot solve with a diplomatic approach only,'' Kim said.
He urged transition team members and the conservative Grand National Party (GNP) to reconsider the closure of the ministry, saying the sunshine policy of engaging North Korea has contributed to the improvement of inter-Korean relations.
He continued, ``The reorganization plan, designed in just two weeks, has many problems in its contents and process. It is a surprise that the committee presented the proposal without any discussion or public hearing.''
Under the plan, made public on Jan. 16, five ministries, including the Gender Equality and Family Ministry and the Science and Technology Ministry, are to be virtually abolished or absorbed into other ministries.
He said those organizations should exist for national development.
The floor leader also criticized the President-elect's policies to reinvigorate the economy.
``Ahead of launching the incoming administration, the transition team announced a number of policies concentrated on competitiveness and efficiency. But I am worried those may bring benefits to the privileged class only,'' Kim said.
He added that Lee administration should put a priority on solving bread-and-butter issues while vowing that the UNDP will make an effort to protect the low-income bracket.
The UNDP official lamented that his party had performed poorly, which caused its crushing defeat in December's presidential election.
``The party failed to read the public sentiment but just showed an arrogant attitude. I apologize that we didn't make further efforts to seek solutions to improving the people's life.''
Instead, Kim promised to take a new path to achieve economic development, social unity and a peace regime.
He added that his party will compete with conservatives fairly on the issues of freedom, equality and social welfare.