Prime Minister Jeong: "Anti-Corruption Commission, Quickly Conclude on Gift Limit for Agricultural, Livestock, and Seafood Products"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 12th, "The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission is carefully considering raising the gift limit for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products by the Lunar New Year holiday next month."

At the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Chung stated, "It is difficult to ignore the crisis faced by our agriculture, livestock, and fishery industries due to the unprecedented natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic last year."

He added, "If the gift limit is temporarily raised, it could be a precious relief for the exhausted farmers and fishermen," and urged, "The Commission should comprehensively consider these points and make a prompt decision."

Regarding the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Medical Service Act, which was on the agenda of the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Chung said, "Although some citizens raise concerns about fairness and equity, there is no value higher than the life or health of the people," and mentioned, "If we cause harm to the public due to a shortage of medical personnel, I believe that is not a path we can choose."

He continued, "As the head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters during this unprecedented infectious disease crisis, I cannot overlook the practical issue of the shortage of essential medical personnel such as public health doctors," and added, "With the recent full-scale operation of the medical-government consultative body, discussions are underway regarding the policies that led medical students to refuse the national medical licensing exam. I hope the public understands that the decision to proceed with the medical licensing exam was made by the government after careful consideration of these factors."

Regarding the 'Serious Accidents Punishment Act,' which passed the National Assembly last week, Prime Minister Chung said, "Once the law is enforced, more special efforts and caution will be required in the operation of workplaces and public facilities to ensure safety and health," and pointed out, "While there is sympathy for the purpose of the law, it is true that there are many concerns and complaints from both the business and labor sectors."

He then urged, "Relevant ministries should actively work not only to prepare for the smooth enforcement of the law but also to fundamentally improve the safety culture throughout society," and emphasized, "It is also important to thoroughly prepare for unintended side effects. I ask all citizens to join forces so that families who leave their homes saying 'I will come back safely' can all return home safely."

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