President Emphasizes Checks and Balances in Power Institution Reforms
Calls for Swift Passage of Integrated Police and NIS Laws
Stresses Importance of Objectivity and Political Neutrality
Warns, "The Devil Is in the Details" Regarding Prosecution Reform
[Asia Economy, Reporter Ryu Jungmin] On January 21, President Moon Jae-in presided over the second Cabinet meeting of the year at the Government Complex Sejong and stated, "As the prosecution's direct investigative authority is being reduced, the growing powers of the police must also be democratically decentralized." President Moon explained, "Although the legislation for prosecution reform has been completed, there are still legislative processes remaining as a whole," adding, "The integrated police law, which should have been passed together with the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and the police, is still pending."
President Moon defined "the core of reforming power institutions as controlling the abuse of power through checks and balances." He emphasized that the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and the police, the introduction of the autonomous police system, and the establishment of the National Investigation Headquarters are not separate issues. Regarding the passage of the bill adjusting investigative authority between the prosecution and the police in the National Assembly, President Moon said, "It marks a significant milestone in institutionalizing prosecution reform," and stressed, "In a democratic republic, the people are the true owners of power institutions."
President Moon also stated, "Reform of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) must be supported by legislation. The NIS has already completely abolished its domestic intelligence gathering department and has focused exclusively on overseas and North Korea-related intelligence activities," pointing out, "Institutionalizing these changes remains with the National Assembly." During the remainder of the 20th National Assembly's term, President Moon urged the National Assembly to swiftly process the integrated police law and the NIS law so that the prosecution, national police, autonomous police, and CIO can check and balance each other.
President Moon said, "If until now it has been the National Assembly's time, for the government, the important period begins now," adding, "Much preparation is needed for the establishment of the CIO and the implementation of the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and the police. There is not much time left."
President Moon warned, "It is necessary to ensure objectivity and political neutrality from the preparation stage," and added, "As the saying goes, 'the devil is in the details,' adjusting the specifics may prove to be the most difficult part." He emphasized that the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the prosecution, and the police should communicate sufficiently and also take into account the opinions of the judiciary during the preparation process. In particular, President Moon directly requested Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun to personally oversee the matter.
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