Lawmakers proposed a bipartisan bill on Monday to curb their own much-criticized privileges.

The overhaul plan, signed by 18 ruling and opposition members of the National Assembly political reform committee, would prohibit lawmakers from holding other jobs during their term and abolish monthly pensions.

The bill stipulates that members of the legislature who hold other jobs must relinquish them within three months. They will also be prohibited from engaging in for-profit activities.

A recent survey found that one in three lawmakers holds another job in addition to their post in the National Assembly. The most common additional occupation was professor, followed by lawyer and corporate board member. Prior to the April parliamentary elections last year, candidates from both parties pledged to reign in the dual appointment and other special parliamentary privileges.

Lawmakers also proposed a bill to curb violence. Those who engage in violent activities to disrupt meetings or the signing of bills and are convicted would be prevented from running for public office for a set of amount of time.

By Samuel Songhoon Lee
(songhoon@heraldcorp.com)