Opposition Leader Emphasizes Conservatism in Party Policy

Opposition leader Lee Hoi-chang formally adopted a conservative party platform at the first conference of the Grand National Party's National Reform Committee on Wednesday.

"To uphold the basic ideals and principles of a free democracy and free market, we will maintain a conservative line," Mr. Lee said.

Political watchers interpreted the statement as a modification of his earlier declaration that his party would stand for "reformist conservatism." Many observers said the emphasis is now on "conservative" rather than "reform."

From its foundation of conservatism, he said that the party will promote － in addition to reform － openness, justice and compassion.

Close aides to Mr. Lee explained that the statement is part of a series of attempts to differentiate his political philosophy from that of the Kim Dae-jung administration.

"You can say that he has begun to find his own voice," one aide said, adding that Mr. Lee is gaining confidence in his chances of winning 2002 presidential election.

He also said that adding "compassion" to his list of priorities, much like U.S. President George W. Bush's "compassionate conservative" line, stems from the recognition that he can no longer rely solely on the support of conservative groups.

Mr. Lee also lashed out at the ruling party's criticism of the committee and the government investigation into academics who have agreed to participate.

"How much help and wisdom we can garner from outside professionals will determine the committee's success," he said.

The party also disclosed the list of the 34 charter members of the committee. They include Professor Han Sang-jin of Seoul National University, Ra Jong-Yil, current ambassador to Britain, and Professor Kim Tae-dong of Sungkyunkwan University, who served as presidential secretary for economic affairs when President Kim Dae-jung first took office.

by Ko Jung-ae