Rep. Shim Jae-chul of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) proposed a referendum Sunday to decide whether or not the government replaces the relocation of some government offices out of Seoul to Sejong City with an alternative plan.
``The initial plan calls for relocating two thirds of ministries and agencies out of the capital city, which will inevitably have a significant effect on national security.
``I think the nation should go for a referendum, instead of a bipartisan agreement on the plan,'' he said.
Shim, who is one of the supporters of President Lee Myung-bak, said a political compromise may lead to another flip-flop on the master plan for Sejong in the next presidential election.
The legislator called on his lawmaker colleagues to end the discussion by reaching a consensus for a referendum on the relocation plan.