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Mixed feedbacks on NPAD`s out-of-assembly protest

Posted September. 01, 2014 05:36,   

한국어

“When visiting my constituency and streets, I see so many people who fret about `difficult economic situation.’ Now is not the time for the opposition party to conduct struggle outside the National Assembly.”

Rep. Ahn Gyu-baek, who signed a compact against "out-of-assembly struggle," made these remarks as he told The Dong-A Ilbo over the phone on Sunday, “It is time we need to make all-in bet in economy for people’s livelihoods.” After signing the compact on Tuesday last week, Ahn said he heard words of encouragement from residents in his constituency, such as “the opposition party’s struggle should win sympathy from the public,” and “we are grateful for your courage.” Only 16 out of the main opposition party`s 130 lawmakers, or 12 percent, joined to the campaign sign the compact. However, Ahn said, “Significance should be placed on the fact that moderate lawmakers have raised voice for the first time. There are many lawmakers who agree with us, although they have not gone public.”

Four-term Rep. Kim Young-hwan, one of those who signed the compact, also said on the day, “I am a lawmaker who was elected in a constituency in Ansan (Ansan’s Sangnok B district), which had majority of the victims in the Sewol tragedy,” adding, “However, the National Assembly exists to care for people’s livelihoods. If we lawmakers continuously vacate the National Assembly, the public will consider their livelihoods are deserted.” Rep. Kim Sung-gon, another lawmaker who signed, said in a post on his website, said, “(Lawmakers) are divided over the major disaster of the Sewol’s sinking because they only consider their own belief to be justice,” adding, “After the Chuseok (thanksgiving) holiday, we must make a fresh start.”

Moderate lawmakers agreed to hold a meeting on Monday. “Even bereaved families of victims in the Sewol tragedy urge us to ‘return to the National Assembly,” said Rep. Hwang Ju-hong, who spearheaded the signature collection campaign. “There cannot be any conditions required for lawmakers to return to the National Assembly. They should attend not only the opening ceremony but also their standing committee.”