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[EDITORIALS]Practical choices

Published: 28 Dec. 2003, 22:49

The appointments of five new ministers this month was done well. The appointments were not based on ideology, but by selecting new ministers who have experience and professional ability.
Most of the ministers have either been government officials with plenty of administrative experience or professionals in their fields. This administration has produced too many non-professional government leaders appointed only because they shared the president’s “code.” These officials either advocated idealistic policies far placed from reality or tried to pursue reforms with an inflexible, ideology-based mentality. Their efforts caused more confusion and suffering than good for the people.
President Roh Moo-hyun should continue appointing officials with proven professional capabilities, regardless of their political or ideological standing.
What is this “code?” From the behavior of the ministers in the past who were said to have shared the “code,” one would suppose that it is characterized by the tendency to turn the government into an experimental laboratory to try out policies bred by immature idealism or textbooks. One year of experiments was enough. Next year, this government should get some real work done.
A Blue House official predicted more cabinet changes next year. Several ministers are expected to resign to run in the legislative elections in April. Some of these ministers are reportedly being pushed to run, regardless of whether they want to or not, because they are seen as electable and would help bolster the ranks of Mr. Roh’s supporters in the legislature. It is a national loss for these ministers to be used as pawns in the general election, their potential service to the country and their personal desires both ignored. In their hearts, they have already left office and should have been replaced this month.
It would be wise to appoint capable and willing persons for the jobs and give them the chance to use their skills for the country. The new appointments are a welcome sign that the president has finally started getting more practical.