YONHAP NEWS

Lee indicates sweeping overhaul of bureaucracy

By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Dec. 22 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said on Monday that his bid for economic reforms and changes won't be hindered by the ongoing economic difficulties, urging ranking civil servants to follow his administrative vision and philosophy in weathering the unprecedented financial crisis.

Meeting with top officials of the land, agriculture, public administration and environment ministries over their key policy goals for 2009, Lee warned that some reform-resistant bureaucrats, who gained rapid promotions in the previous liberal administration, are still passive in enforcing his reform and stimulus measures.

"Civil servants have to take the lead (in overcoming the crisis). If some of them fail to keep up with the speed (of reforms and changes), the entire march will be slowed," said Lee.

   "Civil servants are required to firmly establish their own state vision so that they can help overcome the crisis and make preparations for the new era. Their unified attitudes will help the nation upgrade its global competitiveness."
According to political watchers, Lee's remarks may be a signal of an upcoming sweeping shakeup of reform-shy ranking officials at major ministries, who are blamed for failing to faithfully carry out the conservative president's reform policies.

   Over the past week, all "Grade One" officials at half a dozen ministries, including education, foreign affairs, agriculture and unification, have offered to resign, as the conservative Lee administration strived to further distance itself from policies devised by his liberal predecessor, Roh Moo-hyun.

   Following the upcoming replacement of top government officials, Lee is expected to conduct a Cabinet reshuffle early next year to revamp the overall administrative atmosphere ahead of his first inaugural anniversary in February.

   Over the weekend, the Lee government announced an ambitious plan to shed 19,000 jobs in the public sector, with 69 major state-run corporations slashing 10 percent to 37.5 percent from their current payrolls in the coming three to four years.

   "Economic circumstances are worsening. But we will never slow our efforts for changes and reforms. All civil servants have to join forces to revitalize the economy and implement reforms," said the president.

   He instructed the four ministries to execute their 2009 budget spending "swiftly and efficiently," deepen inter-ministerial cooperation in major public works projects and minimize waste of taxpayer money.

   ycm@yna.co.kr
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