Timing for Re-discussion of the National Assembly Conflict of Interest Prevention Act
Government Accelerates Anti-Corruption Measures
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] As the National Assembly begins re-discussion on the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, the government has decided to strengthen integrity education for high-ranking public officials and accelerate the distribution of corporate ethics and compliance management guidelines. With the Democratic Party's Emergency Committee naming the bill as its top legislative priority, related measures are being significantly reinforced to prevent a 'second LH scandal.'
On the 13th, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) announced plans to greatly expand and strengthen anti-corruption and integrity education for approximately 2,000 public officials nationwide, including members of the National Assembly, ministers and vice ministers, and heads of public institutions. They will simultaneously implement measures to enhance public officials' integrity awareness and activate integrity education aimed at entering the top 20 in national integrity rankings, including support for compliance and ethical management in public enterprises and expanding integrity education for future generations. The ACRC reported these integrity education activation plans at the 16th Cabinet meeting and requested active cooperation from all ministries.
Face-to-face integrity education will be made mandatory for high-ranking public officials such as members of the National Assembly, ministers and vice ministers, local government heads, and public institution presidents, with the status of integrity education completion disclosed by institution. Additional measures, including special training for institutions with poor compliance in integrity education, are also included in the plan. The ACRC will coordinate and support the establishment of independent integrity education courses at 112 public education and training institutions affiliated with central administrative agencies, local governments, and other public institutions.
The establishment of an 'Ethics and Compliance Management Promotion Center' (tentative name) to support ethics and compliance management in public and private enterprises is under consideration. They plan to introduce ethics and compliance management guidelines covering conflict of interest prevention for executives and employees, as well as certification systems.
Additionally, the ACRC's Integrity Training Institute will develop and distribute customized integrity programs for elementary and middle schools at all levels, including supporting integrity education programs tailored to the Free Semester System as part of teacher training courses.
Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee of the ACRC stated, "Following the recent LH speculation incident, calls for the introduction of conflict of interest prevention systems and corporate ethical management have grown louder than ever. The ACRC will devote all efforts and energy to eradicating corrupt practices in society and deeply rooting a culture of integrity through expanded and strengthened integrity education for high-ranking public officials and the establishment of corporate ethical management."
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