Rival parties elect new floor leaders

Rep. Lee Wan-koo

By Jun Ji-hye

Reps. Lee Wan-koo and Park Young-sun were elected new floor leaders of the ruling Saenuri Party and the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD), respectively, Thursday.

The two will orchestrate the National Assembly activities of their parties for a year. Their term starts May 15.

In his acceptance speech, Lee, a noted supporter of President Park Geun-hye, said that he will not hesitate to give bitter-pill advice to the President.

“I believe that some tension is necessary in relations between the party, the government and Cheong Wa Dae,” said Lee.

For her part, Park Young-sun, the leading opposition party’s first ever female floor leader, said, “The NPAD is a party for the underprivileged. We will cooperate with the government and the ruling party only when they take the right path. If not, we will strictly hold them in check.”

The two are expected to face tough challenges, considering that the opposition is calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor and a National Assembly investigation to uncover the truth behind the sinking of the ferry Sewol.

Lee made clear that his party will review that demand only after all issues involving the ferry disaster, including search and rescue operations, are completed.

“If an investigation is conducted now, members of the Coast Guard and Navy officers would have to appear before the Assembly at this critical stage, which seems very improper,” he said. “I will carefully discuss the issue with the opposition.”

Lee was a sole candidate for the new leadership post of the governing camp. In accordance with previous convention, the party did not conduct a vote, but supported his selection with unanimous applause.

Park beat three rivals ― Reps. Noh Young-min, Choi Jae-sung and Lee Jong-kul ― in a vote of opposition lawmakers.

Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye