Lee In-young: "Wuhan Pneumonia Is Not a Subject for Political Strife... Political Circles Must Unite"

February Extraordinary National Assembly Expected to Convene Mid-Month or Later Considering Conservative Unification

Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized that the political circle must unite to support the government's response to the 'Novel Coronavirus Infection (Wuhan Pneumonia) situation.' The February extraordinary session of the National Assembly to handle livelihood bills is expected to be held after mid-February.

At the floor leaders' meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 28th, Floor Leader Lee said, "The most dangerous things are distrust and fear," adding, "Matters concerning the lives of the people should not be subjects of political strife, and we must establish the tradition that there is no distinction between the ruling and opposition parties." He continued, "The political circle must support the government so that it can take swift and coordinated measures. The political circle must unite to enhance trust in the government's quarantine system."

Cho Jung-sik, chairman of the Democratic Party's Policy Committee, also stressed, "In the case of new infectious diseases like the novel coronavirus, initial response is crucial," and added, "We must not turn this into a political struggle that hampers the government's quarantine capabilities." He further stated, "We should also expedite the passage of the amendment to the Quarantine Act, which is pending in the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, from a mid- to long-term perspective."

Floor Leader Lee also emphasized the need to be cautious about anti-China sentiment. He said, "A friend in need is a true friend," and added, "At times like this, actions that incite hatred should be restrained." He further requested, "The diplomatic authorities should monitor the situation in China in real time and establish a preemptive response system," and said, "We must warmly reach out to the Chinese people who are currently in difficulty and provide practical help."

The Democratic Party also proposed holding the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly.

Floor Leader Lee said, "I will deeply reflect on the public sentiment heard during the Lunar New Year holiday and devote all efforts to the people's livelihood with a humbler attitude," adding, "Without blaming the environment or the opposition party, I will work to improve the lives of the people even a little." He also requested the Liberty Korea Party, "I ask for progress in reaching an agreement on the schedule for the February extraordinary session."

The February extraordinary session is expected to be held after mid-February, considering the opposition party's conservative unification schedule.

Jung Chun-sook, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, said, "Since the schedule related to the New Conservative Party's unification is progressing rapidly, it seems that Floor Leader Lee communicated with the opposition party that it is difficult to agree on the schedule," adding, "Originally, it was supposed to be held in early February, but it is being delayed." She further added, "At today's floor leaders' meeting, there was also an opinion that necessary standing committees such as the Health and Welfare Committee should be convened and the National Assembly should be opened."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.