Speaker Su sees new era of social, economic progress for Taiwan

2016/05/20

Taiwan is set to enter a new era of fairness, justice and economic development with the swearing-in of President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, according to Legislative Yuan President Su Jia-chyuan May 19.

“We are looking forward to learning of Tsai’s vision for national development and global outreach in her May 20 inaugural address,” he said. “There is every reason to believe she will deliver satisfying answers to the pressing questions concerning our future.”

Su made the remarks at a Legislative Yuan reception in Taipei City for 67 journalists from 38 countries and territories. The group is in Taiwan to cover the Republic of China (Taiwan) presidential inauguration.

Headed by Philippe Paquet of Brussels-based La Libre Belgique, the group comprises representatives of global news outlets such as Agence France-Presse, Asahi Shimbun, Fuji Television, Kyodo News and NHK of Japan, Anadolu Agency from Turkey, BBC World Service of the U.K. and Bloomberg, Reuters and Voice of America from the U.S.

According to Su, this was the first time for the Legislative Yuan—Taiwan’s highest lawmaking body—to formally receive members of the foreign media. “This openness is in line with my efforts to instill the Legislature with a fresh spirit of professionalism, public participation and transparency,” he said.

Su said the Democratic Progressive Party’s landslide victory in the 2016 ROC legislative elections empowered him to implement root-and-branch reform in the Legislative Yuan. This includes establishing an online petition for proposing new bills, live streaming of proceedings and allowing the people to sit in on lawmaking sessions.

Also in the pipeline is a move toward ensuring legislative committees are made up of members possessing relevant expertise and qualifications. Su anticipates this will enhance the lawmaking process while bridging the gap between the opinions of legislators and the people.

“The Legislative Yuan represents a convergence of differing ideas from across a broad political spectrum,” Su said. “It is my goal to preside over a parliamentary body hallmarked with impartial and unbiased operations reflecting the needs and wishes of the people.” In the Jan. 16 national elections, DPP secured 68 of the 113 seats in the 9th Legislative Yuan.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=244875&ctNode=2194&mp=9)