Political shifts repudiated

"It is neither desirable nor realistic to artificially realign the political circles," said Han Kwang-ok, chairman of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo on Tuesday.

He referred to suggestions from various quarters about forming an "Anti-Lee Hoi-chang coalition" against the leader of the opposition Grand National Party, or a "Three Kims coalition" of President Kim Dae-jung, former President Kim Young-sam and longtime political power Kim Jong-pil.

"Politics is for the people," Mr. Han said, "and decisions should be made in the interest of the people."

Mr. Han, who has announced that he is running for his party's nomination in next year's presidential election, said he hoped that talented experts would assist President Kim Dae-jung to proceed with governmental reform. The president's term expires in 14 months.

Another cabinet reshuffle would provide an opportunity for President Kim to form a suitable team, Mr. Han said. "The president should form a cabinet after listening to expert advisers," he said.

The party leader said he would not propose a new personnel system for public offices as a way to meet criticism of regional partisanship. "It's unnecessary," Mr. Han said, "and I believe the Civil Service Commission has already proposed a substantial system."

He agreed that his party needs a transitional system. "But in order to prevent the party from being managed in an irregular way," he said, "I plan to respect the decision of the special reform committee on the date of the party convention."

On the misuse of bailout funds, Mr. Han said, "A thorough probe must be conducted, which would sort out those who are responsible." He added that the authorities should recover as much of the funds as possible, but emphasized that the issue should not be manipulated as a political offensive.

Mr. Han refused the request of the opposition Grand National Party for a National Assembly investigation and a public hearing on the missing bailout funds.

by Lee Yang-soo