Legislation to 'Order Not to Attend Hearings' passes National Assembly led by opposition parties

A bill that would allow a "companion order" to be issued in case of non-attendance to parliamentary hearings or agenda review meetings has passed the National Assembly plenary session led by the opposition party.

The revised National Assembly Testimony and Appraisal Act, which was approved this time, allows witnesses who do not attend without justifiable reasons to be accompanied during parliamentary audits and parliamentary investigations, as well as important agenda reviews and hearings.

It also included not being able to refuse to submit data for personal information or trade secret protection, and allowing remote video attendance when witnesses are unable to attend due to illness, injury, or stay abroad.

The ruling People's Power opposed the revision, which expands the scope of the accompanying order, saying it violates basic rights guaranteed by the constitution, but the bill was passed with the numerical advantage of the opposition parties such as the Democratic Party.