Leading Commerce,
Industry, Energy Committee
- Rep. Kim Yong-kap calls for harmony between ruling, opposition party members

Rep. Kim Yong-kap of the opposition Grand National Party, who had been recently elected to take over as the chairman of the National Assembly Commerce, Industry and Energy Committee, said he would like to make the committee a productive setting where people can have fun and get work accomplished at all times.
The veteran legislator, on his meeting with media reporters for the first time since his election, said he would like to lead the committee to a point where both opposition and ruling parties can get along harmoniously, doing away with its authoritarian image of the past.
"Since the committee has a lot to do with the livelihood of the people, it has to represent people all the time," the new committee head stressed, adding which is why he wants both ruling and opposition party members to become closer and work together.
He said he would not like to create an austere air as committee chairman and as the first step, he will replace the chairman's desk with an ordinary one just like those for committee members so that he would be able to discuss policy issues with other committee members on the same level.
On the matters related to the invalidation of the collective exclusive contract system, which has emerged as a big issue recently, he said he can't agree with those working to throw out the system when SMEs are not yet ready for it, adding that the government should have been ready with an alternative plan.
He said he has been collecting various ideas to see which are good and bad for SMEs.
The committee chairman turned serious when asked about the selection of storage sites for nuclear wastes, saying that the matter has to be discussed with residents of candidate sites
The legislator also became serious about the matter of introducing local tax on nuclear power, saying that the issue should be dealt with in a most serious manner as it involves taxing people. He said he will personally get involved in the decision on local tax on electricity generated by nuclear power stations as chairman of the committee.
He also became dead serious about the Energy Basic Law, saying that it would make up a framework for the nation's energy policies and a wrong one could lead energy policies to shambles. He said he will try his best to make an effective energy law based on various ideas collected from around the country, as it is sure to be up for parliamentary approval in the current temporary session of the National Assembly.
Kim said the need for substitute energy increases when oil price exceeds $50 per barrel and it would be a great help if substitute energy besides those currently existing can be developed. He did not go along with the idea of installing two vice ministers at cabinet ministries in the government, saying that having two vice ministers doesn't necessarily mean better policies, although the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy would have to go along with two vice ministers if decision is made to introduce the system.
He also said he would not use a hammer to preside over the committee meetings, except on very special occasions that require that redirecting the direction of the committee. nw