&#91EDITORIALS&#93Politicians stand together

Reacting to the prosecution’s request to the court for a detention warrant against Chyung Dai-chul, the chairman of the Millennium Democratic Party, the Grand National Party’s floor leader, Hong Sa-duk, announced that the National Assembly would open a special session in August. Mr. Chyung is to be questioned on his alleged involvement in the Good Morning City case. Mr. Chyung is most probably hoping to be indicted without detention, relying on a rule that exempts legislators from being detained without the consent of the National Assembly during Assembly sessions.
It nearly brings one to tears to watch these politicians squabble and even literally push each other around in the Assembly Hall only to unite like a brotherhood against any outside threat. No wonder the public feels that politicians are not to be trusted and talk of political reform has turned into a big joke.
Mr. Chyung has stated that he would appear at the prosecution’s office as soon as he finishes seeing to the little matter of reforming the strife-ridden Millennium Democratic Party. Mr. Chyung should turn himself into the prosecution as soon as possible for his own honor and for the honor of his party.
We cannot help pointing out how obvious it is that the Grand National Party intends to help Mr. Chyung dodge the prosecution by keeping the National Assembly in session until the end of the year. The opposition party has their own man to protect, Representative Park Myung-hwan who was allegedly involved the Nara Merchant Bank bribery case.
Mr. Hong said the urgency and seriousness of the North Korean nuclear program and the economic crisis were the reasons for calling the special session. Those issues could have been discussed during the July session.
The prosecution must be careful not to give politicians any excuse to deny its authority. Mr. Chyung has accused the prosecution of intentionally leaking information about the allegations against him after the details of his detention warrant were published. Any reckless action and the prosecution will soon find itself dragged into the mudslinging.