Su eyes reform measures for ROC Legislative Yuan

2016/02/04

A series of reforms boosting public participation and transparency in the ROC Legislature is under consideration, according to Legislative Yuan President Su Jia-chyuan Feb. 2.

One priority is establishing an online petition for the public to propose new bills, Su said, adding that he aims to float the proposal during the first sitting of the Legislature Feb. 19.

According to Su, the plan forms an essential part of Legislative Yuan reforms aimed at promoting openness and inclusiveness. “We are also opening up to the media interparty consultations, with possible public broadcasting in the pipeline.”

Su believes this unprecedented move will put an end to closed-door negotiations and foster greater transparency in the legislative process.

At the same time, the Legislature is improving organizational efficiency, Su said, adding that he will hold weekly internal coordination meetings in an effort to enhance lateral communication among departments.

Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers control the ROC Legislative Yuan for the first time, holding 68 out of 113 seats contested in the Jan. 16 Legislative elections. This relegates the KMT to main opposition party status with 35.

The young-leaning New Power Party holds five seats and surpassed the People First Party as the third largest party in the Legislature. The PFP, generally perceived to be pro-KMT, has three seats, with the remainder controlled by independents.

Another feature of the new Legislative Yuan is the record number of 43 female lawmakers, up from 38 in the eighth edition. This move, reflecting greater gender equality in Taiwan, is matched by the planned provision of additional female-friendly facilities in the nation’s top lawmaking body.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242031&ctNode=2194&mp=9)