SEOUL - SOUTH Korean President Lee Myung-Bak said on Monday he
is still committed to giving away almost all his personal wealth,
to encourage the underprivileged to overcome deepening economic
difficulties.
Mr Lee, in his regular radio address, also said he will continue
donating his entire monthly presidential salary of 14 million won
(15,290 dollars) to low-income households for the rest of his
five-year term.
The former business executive also gave all his salary to poor
people when he was mayor of Seoul in 2002-2006.
During his election campaign last December, Mr Lee vowed to give
away his personal fortune - except for a retirement home - to the
needy.
The conservative was the richest among the 11 election
candidates with assets of 33 billion won (S$35.8 million),
according to government figures.
Following some newspaper commentaries questioning when he will
keep his pledge, Mr Lee said on Monday he is still pondering the
most suitable donation method.
He said he will be able to announce specific steps 'in the not
too distant future'. Mr Lee added: 'Personally, I have donated my
pay cheques earned as president and Seoul mayor to the
underprivileged people. I also have the same attitude towards my
personal property.'
He thanked fellow Koreans for increasing their donations to
charities and distressed families despite the economic
downturn.
Mr Lee, 66, experienced severe childhood poverty and worked
part-time at manual jobs to put himself through school and
university. -- AFP
