National Assembly speakers

Lee Man-sup served as the speaker of the National Assembly twice – as a member of the Democratic Liberal Party and the New Korea Party (both what is now the ruling Saenuri Party) during the 14th National Assembly and of the New Millennium Party (what is now the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy). Regardless of his party affiliation, he hated legislations without a bipartisan agreement. At the opening ceremony for the 16th National Assembly, he vowed to bang the gavel, looking at the ruling party once, at the opposition party one and at the people once.

At the time of the 16th National Assembly, the then ruling New Millennium Party unilaterally passed at a committee a parliamentary reform bill calling for easing the rules for forming floor negotiation groups despite the opposition Grand National Party`s objection. Then, Lee adamantly refused to introduce the bill to the main session. As the parliamentary stalemate continued, however, Lee changed his attitude, handling some bills that had little disagreement between the rival parties.

Chung Ui-hwa, the incumbent National Assembly speaker, has not had any bill passed since he took office in May because of the political deadlock over the Sewol ferry disaster. He offered to act as a mediator for a special law on the Sewol disaster, only to be rejected by the ruling Saenuri Party. He then issued a public statement urging political parties to convene quickly after the Chuseok holiday to deliberate on 91 pending bills and issues. This time, however, the main opposition party rejected the suggestion. In his inaugural speech, Chung asked political parties to uphold the Assembly`s authority by respecting the speaker.

When Lee was the speaker, it was a major exercise of his authority to introduce or not to introduce a bill. However, the current National Assembly law virtually deprives the incumbent of such authority. Still, Chung should not give up trying to establish the speaker`s authority by himself. Lee`s case is a good exemplar. Chung should pick up the gavel when necessary within the boundaries of his authority to protect the interest of the people and the nation.