More than 150 academics nationwide yesterday set up a watchdog body aimed at monitoring the performance of lawmakers in the economics, finance and transportation committees.
Huang Da-yeh (黃達業), a finance professor at National Taiwan University (NTU) and convener of the civic group, said a total of 44 legislators sit on the three committees, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the 113-member lawmaking body.
“By creating this supervisory group, we hope to help enhance the professional and legislative performance of lawmakers,” Huang told a media briefing. “We will score them based on a series of criteria, including attendance, speeches, bills and contribution to improving the nation’s economic and financial development.”
Huang said 50 more professors would join their cause later.
Lin Chien-fu (林建甫), an economics professor at NTU, said an attempt by lawmakers to lower interest rates on revolving credit helped give birth to the watchdog.
Lin and Huang have expressed concern about the proposed revision, saying it would force banks to quit the consumer financing business.
Lin urged lawmakers to approach the issue with caution and professionalism, instead of using it as a political gambit.
Andy Chang (張五岳), a professor of Chinese studies at Tamkang University, said the government could not pursue economic or financial policy goals smoothly without cooperation from lawmakers.
To that end, Chang said he and other academics would monitor lawmakers to ensure that they carry out their duties more efficiently.
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