WCP Accelerates Progress on Long-Awaited Conflict of Interest Prevention Act

Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission attended the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee hearing on October 15, where she took the oath as a witness for the audit of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The likelihood of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, a long-standing wish of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, being passed is increasing. This is because as allegations of preferential treatment in orders involving former People Power Party lawmaker Park Deokheum, a member of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, have surfaced, the ruling party is pushing to ensure the law's passage.

According to political circles, on the 21st, Representative Kim Namguk of the Democratic Party's Political Reform Task Force (TF) is expected to officially propose the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act for members of the National Assembly. The bill requires lawmakers to submit their private sector activities for the past three years to the Speaker of the National Assembly within 30 days of starting their term.

On July 28, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission submitted the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act for public officials to the National Assembly. Although Kim's amendment targets lawmakers, if passed, it is expected to accelerate the Commission's legislative efforts for public officials.

Jeon Hyunhee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, said in a media interview, "Recently, conflicts of interest among public officials have become an issue in the political sphere, public interest has increased, and I believe this is the time for the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act to be passed." She added, "Once major issues are settled in the extraordinary session of the National Assembly, necessary matters will become clear, and I believe one of them will be the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act."

Some express concerns that after the launch of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency next year, the passage of this law could lead to excessive administrative actions by both the agency and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.

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