By Jun Ji-hye
The government decided Friday to form a joint task force to provide clear and well-defined guidelines on the anti-graft law that went into effect last month, amid confusion over its interpretation.
The team will include officials from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Government Legislation and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACCRC), government officials said, adding it will be established at the commission and begin operations next week.
The government made the decision at a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn at the government complex in Seoul.
The move comes as confusion is rife over whether certain actions violate the new law, although the ACCRC, which oversees the policy, has made efforts to provide interpretations on the soaring number of inquiries.
Under the so-called Kim Young-ran Act ― named after the former ACCRC head ― which took effect on Sept. 28, people working for the government, media outlets and schools are banned from receiving meals priced higher than 30,000 won ($27), gifts exceeding 50,000 won and congratulatory and condolence money over 100,000 won. The law was designed to cut collusive relationships and bring more transparency.
“As we are at the early stage, and as around 4 million people are affected by the law, it is natural that some confusion exists,” Hwang said. “There are controversies about whether a certain action violates the law. Although the civil rights commission is making efforts, there is insufficient knowledge related to what is permissible and what is not.”
Hwang also said the law should not hinder civil servants from doing their work, because it is not intended to do so.
“The law aims to establish a transparent society,” he said, urging related governmental bodies to bolster their understanding of the law so people can carry out their duties with enthusiasm.
Officials said the team will issue weekly reports on frequently asked questions and send manuals to public organizations across the nation by the end of the year.