Opposition says address 'insufficient'

By Jun Ji-hye

Rep. Kim Han-gil, co-chairman of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, comments on President Park Gun-hye’s address about the Sewol ferry disaster at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. / Yonhap

The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) downplayed Monday an address made by President Park Geun-hye over the Sewol ferry tragedy, calling it an “insufficient diagnosis and prescription.”

But the ruling Saenuri Party described the address as a “sincere apology” because she expressed a strong desire for government reform.

The NPAD co-chairman Rep. Kim Han-gil criticized Park’s suggestion of setting up a Safety Agency under the control of the prime minister. He argued that the National Security Council (NSC) of the presidential office should play the role of disaster control tower.

“The tragic accident occurred because the President and Cheong Wa Dae neglected their duties to manage relevant systems,” said Kim in a news conference. “If Cheong Wa Dae again attempts to avoid its responsibility, Park’s suggestion cannot be a fundamental measure to prevent the recurrence of tragic accidents.”

The NSC was first set up during the late President Roh Moo-hyun administration, but his successor Lee Myung-bak removed it. Park reestablished the secretariat, but opposition lawmakers have argued that its function differs from that under Roh.

Kim added it is also embarrassing that Park promised to dismantle the Coast Guard.

Spokesman Park Kwang-on said Park’s apology should have come right after the vessel sank off the southwest coast last month.

“It is regrettable that Park made an apology 34 days after the accident,” said. “Park earlier criticized the Coast Guard, the Ministry of Security and Public Administration, the ship operator and crewmembers for their responses to the accident.”

Rep. Kim Yung-rok, vice floor leader of the NPAD, said, “Park should push for overall renewal of personnel, rather than attempting to turn over the situation ahead of the elections.”

On the other hand, the ruling party said that it will seek bipartisanship cooperation at the National Assembly in remodeling the government.

Floor leader Rep. Lee Wan-koo welcomed Park’s pledge to dissolve the Coast Guard, saying “It is a revolutionary step.”

The maritime service is at the center of criticism for its bungling management during the emergency.

“The ruling party will actively carry forward with government realignment,” Lee said.

The remarks came soon after Park addressed the nation, saying her government will disband the Coast Guard and create a dedicated government department designed to deal with disasters under the direct control of the prime minister.

The party added that it will also seek the enactment of a special law to prevent similar disasters.

Seven-term lawmaker Suh Chung-won called on Cabinet members to step down to allow Park to implement a wider range of options.

“Those who deserve to be sacked should be sacked, and give others the opportunity to work,” said Suh.

Given that he has been a noted supporter of President Park, Suh’s remarks were construed as an indication that a considerable number of ministers could be replaced soon, although Park did not mention a Cabinet reshuffle.

With just two weeks to the June 4 local elections, the governing camp apparently expects Park’s statement to alter the trend of her falling approval ratings following the ferry disaster on April 16, in which hundreds of lives were lost, mostly high school students from Ansan.

Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye