S Korean president orers aides to canvass views on policy

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Monday ordered his aides to form a new team to canvass public views on various policy issues, a presidential spokesman said. In a meeting at the presidential office earlier in the day, Lee told his aides to collect opinions of all social standings on various policy issues and reflect them in the future policymaking process, according to presidential spokesman Park Jeong-ha. Lee said the team should comprise presidential and government officials and outside experts, Park said, adding the plan is aimed at enhancing communication between policymakers and the public. The president's apparent attempt at better communication with the public comes after the ruling party's defeat in the Seoul mayoral election last week, which Lee said shows younger generations' "yearning for change." The rare victory of an independent candidate, who enjoyed overwhelming support from young voters, was seen as a blow to Lee and his ruling Grand National Party ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012. Critics have accused Lee, nicknamed "the bulldozer" for his can-do attitude, of turning a blind eye to dissenting voices in the public.