By Chung Min-uck
The National Assembly passed a bill Friday that will enforce stricter investigations of corruption committed by high-ranking government officials, including a sitting president's family members and relatives.
The Special Inspector Law was approved at a plenary session with support of 83 lawmakers from an attendance of 160 ― 35 voted against the bill with 42 casting blank votes.
The new law calls for appointing an inspector upon the Assembly's recommendation who would investigate alleged offences of a president's spouse, relatives including and up to first cousins, and close aides including senior presidential secretaries.
Inspectors would also be able to refer cases to the prosecutor general following an investigation.
The ruling Saenuri Party and main opposition Democratic Party (DP) also approved a bill for the Special Prosecution Appointment Law that enables an independent counsel investigation into corruption and other allegations of irregularities by officials to be launched in a speedier manner.
This law allows a special probe to be launched with majority approval from parliament or when deemed necessary by the justice minister. A seven-member recommendation panel will be set up at the Assembly to choose two special prosecutor candidates, after which the president will appoint one.
Out of 159 attending lawmakers, 112 voted for the bill, 17 voted against, and 30 abstained.
The two bills were part of President Park Geun-hye's campaign promises.
Critics have already expressed doubt over whether the new laws will enhance investigations, especially as Assembly members will be exempt from the special inspection system.
They will come into effect starting June.
Meanwhile, the parties fail to pass the so-called Basic Pension Bill which was also one of President Park's major election pledges during her presidential campaign in 2012.
The Saenuri Party called for giving a monthly pension of 100,000 won ($90) to 200,000 ($190) to the poorest 70 percent of senior citizens, whereas, the DP wanted to give 200,000 won to the poorest 80 percent.
Friday marked the final plenary session for this month's regular proceedings in the unicameral parliament.
The rival parties blamed each other for the unwelcome outcome.
"The DP closed its ears to the voices of senior citizens and relentlessly pushed for measures that will bankrupt the country," said Choi Kyung-hwan, a floor leader of the ruling party.
"Because of the Saenuri Party and President Park's promise breaking, the Basic Pension Bill was bypassed by the February session," said Jun Byung-hun, the DP floor leader. "But we will never give up on our original plan."
Insiders say the parties might agree to open a special parliamentary session in March to put an end to ongoing contentious issues.
The National Assembly passed a bill Friday that will enforce stricter investigations of corruption committed by high-ranking government officials, including a sitting president's family members and relatives.
The Special Inspector Law was approved at a plenary session with support of 83 lawmakers from an attendance of 160 ― 35 voted against the bill with 42 casting blank votes.
The new law calls for appointing an inspector upon the Assembly's recommendation who would investigate alleged offences of a president's spouse, relatives including and up to first cousins, and close aides including senior presidential secretaries.
Inspectors would also be able to refer cases to the prosecutor general following an investigation.
The ruling Saenuri Party and main opposition Democratic Party (DP) also approved a bill for the Special Prosecution Appointment Law that enables an independent counsel investigation into corruption and other allegations of irregularities by officials to be launched in a speedier manner.
This law allows a special probe to be launched with majority approval from parliament or when deemed necessary by the justice minister. A seven-member recommendation panel will be set up at the Assembly to choose two special prosecutor candidates, after which the president will appoint one.
Out of 159 attending lawmakers, 112 voted for the bill, 17 voted against, and 30 abstained.
The two bills were part of President Park Geun-hye's campaign promises.
Critics have already expressed doubt over whether the new laws will enhance investigations, especially as Assembly members will be exempt from the special inspection system.
They will come into effect starting June.
Meanwhile, the parties fail to pass the so-called Basic Pension Bill which was also one of President Park's major election pledges during her presidential campaign in 2012.
The Saenuri Party called for giving a monthly pension of 100,000 won ($90) to 200,000 ($190) to the poorest 70 percent of senior citizens, whereas, the DP wanted to give 200,000 won to the poorest 80 percent.
Friday marked the final plenary session for this month's regular proceedings in the unicameral parliament.
The rival parties blamed each other for the unwelcome outcome.
"The DP closed its ears to the voices of senior citizens and relentlessly pushed for measures that will bankrupt the country," said Choi Kyung-hwan, a floor leader of the ruling party.
"Because of the Saenuri Party and President Park's promise breaking, the Basic Pension Bill was bypassed by the February session," said Jun Byung-hun, the DP floor leader. "But we will never give up on our original plan."
Insiders say the parties might agree to open a special parliamentary session in March to put an end to ongoing contentious issues.
