The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party on Tuesday rejected President Park Geun-hye's call for constitutional revision, stressing that the truth behind a set of corruption allegations involving a women with ties to Park, should first be verified.
During a press conference, Choo Mi-ae said her party will form a research panel on the amendment and push for parliamentary discussions on the issue in a "step-by-step" fashion, while demanding Park and her office Cheong Wa Dae keep away from the discussions.
Choo also alleged that Park appears to have brought up the issue of a constitutional revamp to cover up the burgeoning allegations that Choi Soon-sil, known to be Park's acquaintance, has inappropriately peddled influence in the management of two major cultural and sports foundations, and even in the writing of presidential speeches.
"What should precede (the revision) is verifying the truth behind Choi Soon-sil-gate and the handling of budget plans (for next year)," the party chief said. "The constitutional revision will come after these (issues are settled)."
Choo Mi-ae, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 25. (Yonhap)
Choo, then, stressed that the revision should not be a tool for the incumbent government to overcome its crises or prolong its grip on power, and that the revision process should involve "democratic" discussions with the citizens at the center of them.
"President Park and Cheong Wa Dae should be removed from talks on the revision and focus on handling state affairs and people's livelihoods, while the National Assembly should be the venue for discussions on the revision," she said.
The opposition leader, in particular, pointed out that a constitutional revision should be pursued along with a shift in the current electoral constituency system, though the latter does not require any alteration in the Constitution.
The five-term lawmaker added that the revision should take into account various elements such as human rights, the environment and public safety, and that it should be a "future-oriented" one geared towards national unification. (Yonhap)
