Code of Conduct Advisory Committee
Ordinance Amendment to Be Submitted Next Month
An ordinance bill that would allow for disciplinary action up to expulsion as a follow-up measure in cases of abuse of power by members of the Sejong City Council is expected to be introduced. This move comes after Assemblywoman Lee Hyunjung courageously raised concerns about abusive behavior by certain council members. The initiative is drawing attention as it is seen as a commitment by the council members themselves to hold themselves to stricter standards.
On September 22, the Sejong City Council held the second session of this year’s Code of Conduct Advisory Committee, discussing the results of an integrity assessment and ways to improve the system in order to strengthen ethical standards and enhance transparency. The main agenda items included a report on the results of the review of the operation of the conflict of interest prevention system in the second half of the year, as well as a report on the plan to amend the ordinance on the code of ethics and ethical practice regulations for council members.
First, the review of the conflict of interest prevention system was conducted based on the comprehensive integrity assessment indicators of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, focusing on private contracts. The review targeted both council members and secretariat staff, specifically examining two areas: restrictions on entering into private contracts and restrictions on hiring family members. The results confirmed that there were no violations in either area.
The proposed amendment to the council members’ code of ethics reflects the opinions expressed during the first session of the Code of Conduct Advisory Committee held in August. The committee raised the need to strengthen disciplinary standards for maintaining dignity, fulfilling the duty of integrity, and addressing abuse of power. These opinions have been actively incorporated, and the ordinance amendment process is now underway.
Kang Naechul, chair of the committee who presided over the meeting, stated, “It is highly significant that we have prepared an ordinance amendment by accepting the opinions of the Code of Conduct Advisory Committee. A system has now been established to respond firmly to ethical issues such as abuse of power, and this progress lays the foundation for earning the trust of our citizens.”
Chairman Lim Chaeseong emphasized, “We will continue to promote anti-corruption and integrity policies to create a transparent and responsible council that meets the expectations of our citizens. We will continue to prioritize anti-corruption and integrity to become a trusted council.”
The proposed amendment to the code of ethics discussed at the meeting is scheduled to be submitted at the 101st extraordinary session next month.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
