People Power Party: "Prosecutor's Office Act Amendment Bill Sneakily Submitted by the Ruling Party... Is This Cooperation?"

Protest Against Ban on Questions About Choo... "Seems to Have Very Great Influence"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun, Lim Chun-han] Members of the People Power Party's Legislation and Judiciary Committee held an emergency press conference to condemn the ruling party's surprise submission of the amendment to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HCIO) Act.

On the 23rd, People Power Party lawmaker Jo Su-jin said at an emergency press conference held at the National Assembly main building, "The Democratic Party of Korea submitted an agenda item (the HCIO Act amendment) this morning that was not scheduled."

The HCIO Act amendment includes a provision that the National Assembly will select the recommendation committee members for the HCIO chief candidate, a role previously allocated to the opposition party.

Jo criticized, "How long has it been since the HCIO Act was passed? How flawed must it be to require amendment?" and added, "Regardless of the content, amending a law that has already been processed is shameful." She continued, "Suddenly, those who agreed to this agenda were asked to raise their hands. What kind of dialogue, cooperation, or collaboration is this?"

She pointed out, "Look at the backgrounds of the HCIO Act amendment proposers. They are defendants in serious criminal cases. If they are properly investigated and tried, the HCIO would not even be necessary."

Jo also protested against the Judiciary Committee Chairman Yoon Ho-jung's ban on urgent questioning. She criticized, "Is it wrong for lawmakers to ask questions about current issues? All the cabinet members are present, so should we just smile politely in front of them?"

She further remarked, "In some ways, it seems that former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae has a very strong influence. If they are confident and have nothing to hide, why avoid urgent questioning?"

She emphasized, "The meeting was delayed by an hour because they tried to block urgent questioning. Because I felt once again that it is difficult to trust the ruling party, I insisted even more on holding urgent questioning today."