Parties seek to revise details on anti-graft law

South Korea's ruling and opposition parties are seeking to revise certain clauses in the anti-graft law which won a constitutional nod last week, political watchers said Monday, amid the rising concerns that the law could bring confusion and adversely impact consumption.

The Kim Young-ran anti-graft law named after a former head of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission aims to bring more transparency among public officials, journalists and private school faculty. The regulations make it illegal to accept meals exceeding 30,000 won ($268.8), presents in excess of 50,000 won, and money for congratulations or condolences of over 100,000 won.

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A maximum penalty of three years in prison or a fine of five times the amount they accept in money or valuables can also be applied if they exceed 1 million won in one lump sum or 3 million won in total annually, regardless of whether it is in exchange for favors or related to their work. In addition people in these fields are barred from making improper solicitation for favors.

The Constitutional Court ruled the law that goes into effect on Sept. 28 is valid last week, paving the way for it to be implemented.

The ruling Saenuri Party, however, said the law should exclude agricultural and fishery goods, as the price ceilings could bring negative impacts on the country's provincial economy.

The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea expressed concerns that the price limit should be revised up to 50,000 won and 100,000 won for meals and gifts, respectively, adding the presidential office should also lend support to revision.

Smaller parties, however, claim that the law should be first implemented as stipulated, adding a revision can be made in the future.

Political pundits, meanwhile, said there are growing calls for the anti-graft law to be applied to a wider scope of people, such as lawyers and workers at civil advocacy groups, who can exercise considerable control over various aspects of society. (Yonhap)