Kim Jin-pyo Proposes 'Pinset Special Committee'... Minimizing Formal Reporting Necessary

First Meeting of the National Assembly COVID-19 Special Committee
Chairman Kim Jin-pyo: "Prioritize Daegu and Gyeongbuk"... Also Proposes Sending Special Committee Donations to Daegu City
Ruling and Opposition Parties Pledge "Bipartisan Cooperation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] Kim Jinpyo, chairman of the National Assembly's Special Committee on COVID-19, proposed the operation of a "pinpoint special committee." This is based on the judgment that the workload at quarantine sites due to the committee's activities should be minimized. He also urged the political circles to "lead by example," such as minimizing face-to-face election campaigns and donating funds at the committee level.

At the first meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 2nd, Chairman Kim said, "Since most situations can currently be understood through the media, I ask the committee members to operate the special committee as a pinpoint committee that helps solve urgent problems immediately, rather than receiving general and formal work reports from ministries that are already doing their utmost." He pointed out the urgent issues that the special committee should focus on first, including shortages of hospital beds, medical facilities, equipment, personnel, and mask supply in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions.

He also urged the political circles, ahead of the general election, to make efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), such as non-face-to-face election campaigns. Chairman Kim emphasized, "The Korean Medical Association is appealing for 'social distancing' to minimize contact between people," and added, "For nationwide participation, the political circles must take the lead." He continued, "Although the general election is imminent, I request all political parties to completely ban participation in mass gatherings and minimize face-to-face election campaigns."

He also proposed donating funds at the committee level. Chairman Kim suggested, "To solidify this resolution, let the special committee members lead by example and collect donations, even small amounts, to be delivered to Daegu City." He added, "If these funds can be used for protective clothing costs for medical staff fighting fiercely in the Daegu area, I believe it will help spread a national consensus of 'Stay strong Daegu-Gyeongbuk' and 'Let's overcome this together.'"

After appointing the secretaries on the same day, the special committee is discussing future operational plans. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties pledged bipartisan cooperation.

Ki Dongmin, a Democratic Party lawmaker serving as secretary, said, "Since this is a national crisis, our strength must be united. I ask opposition lawmakers to cooperate across party lines so that the special committee can give hope." Kim Seunghee, secretary from the United Future Party, said, "In such a serious time, regardless of party, we must do our best for the safety and lives of the people," and added, "We will do our best in fulfilling the National Assembly's role." Kim Kwangsoo, secretary from the Minsheng Party, said, "Let's unite across party lines so that COVID-19 measures can be established quickly in this critical time."

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