By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
The Democratic Labor Party (DLP) suggested having a deputy prime minister to deal with social issues Thursday to supplement the presidential transition committee's government reorganization bills.
Rep. Sim Sang-jeong, acting chairwoman of the party, also urged Assemblymen to prioritize the passage of bills to support residents in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, which was hit by the nation's worst oil spill.
``Under the proposed plan, ministries on social issues and public welfare are to be smaller and weaker while economy-related offices are to get fatter,'' Sim said at the National Assembly. ``I believe it is necessary to have a deputy prime minister to address social polarization and housing problems.''
Criticizing the reorganization plan that focuses on reinvigorating the economy only, she said her party will submit an alternative plan to abolish only two ministries, the Construction and Transportation Ministry and the Information and Communication Ministry, out of the current 18.
She also called for the early approval of the bill to support Taean residents, saying that the government's tardy clean-up operation failed to prevent oil spread on seashores.
``It has been 55 days since the accident took place but few politicians are taking care of the residents after the Dec. 19 presidential election," she said.
Regarding intra-party reform, Sim promised to revamp the party by shedding its North Korea-friendly image.
``With image makeover, the DLP will be reborn to help young people suffering from unemployment and discriminated against contract workers,'' the lawmaker said.