By Jun Ji-hye
Four politicians in charge of setting up parliamentary reform met on Wednesday to engage in a lively discussion on the subject.
A televised debate hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission featured Kim Moon-soo from the ruling Saenuri Party; Rep. Won Hye-young from the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy; Rep. Oh Byung-yun from the minor opposition Unified Progressive Party; and Rep. Sim Sang-jeung from the Justice Party.
The four are chiefs of special committees in each party that are seeking parliamentary reform.
During the two-hour discussion, they agreed in principle over the need to reform protections and privileges provided for members of the National Assembly, including removing their immunity from arrest while they are members of the parliament.
Along with the measure, Kim, a former governor of Gyeonggi Province, also argued that “The no-work-no-pay rule should be instituted.” This rule means that members of the Assembly who do not perform their parliamentary duties under extraordinary circumstances ― such as if they are put under arrest ― should not be paid their annual allowance. This should also to be applied when parliament is not in session and if parties fail to convene to open the assembly.
Rep. Won from the NPAD echoed this: “The allowance should be cut if lawmakers fail to attend parliamentary sessions even just once.”
However, they expressed different opinions on whether to reduce the number of members elected under the proportional representation system. Kim said that the number should be reduced, and commented that he cannot see any need for such a system, while Oh and Sim from the minor parties said the system helps to nurture new members of parliament.
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