Defense Minister Avoids Dismissal

The National Assembly voted against dismissing Chun Yong Taek, the minister of National Defense. 271 representatives participated in the vote with 135 voting for dismissal and 135 voting against a dismissal motion. One cast an invalid ballot and another representative abstained from voting; so, the motion did not receive the required majority to pass.
From the ruling coalition, 98 representatives of the National Congress for New Politics (NCNP) and 41 from the United Liberal Democrats (ULD) participated in the vote while 131 opposition Grand National Party (GNP) and two independent representatives were present.
Han Hwa Gap, the Majority Leader said, 'The result of the vote was unexpected but we will respect the decision and focus our energies on deliberating bills related to people's lives and deregulation.'
Park Hee Tae, the Minority Leader said, 'In fact, 137 did not trust the minister so he should be released from his office at once.'
Rep. Kim Hyung Oh of the GNP criticized the recent series of accidents in the military and added, 'Even the enemy infiltrates far behind the front. The government should dismiss Minister Chun.'