President Roh Moo-hyun on Wednesday indicated he would veto the National Assembly-passed special prosecutor bill for investigation into the corruption cases allegedly committed by his former aides.

``There can be a request for reconsideration of the bill if necessary,’’ Roh said during a meeting with a group of journalists based in South Chungchong Province and Taejon City at Chong Wa Dae.

He expressed opposition to the counsel bill, saying, ``A special prosecutor is needed only when the prosecution fails to properly carry out the investigation.’’

Roh’s remark has provoked outrage in political circles with opposition parties going all out in attacking the head of state.

The majority opposition Grand National Party and the Millennium Democratic Party called on Roh to immediately accept the independent counsel bill, describing Roh’s remark as violating the national Constitution.

Once Roh vetoes the bill, the National Assembly is set to review it and needs support from two-thirds of the lawmakers to endorse it.

Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr