A fight between the governing and opposition camps broke out on Tuesday.
In response to the conflict, most people seem unaware of why the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) insisted on blocking the draft bills for establishing a national communications commission (NCC,
Since I was there that day, I have to stress that the KMT-PFP camp actually tied the NCC bill and the peace bill together.
What would be the consequences of passing the bills?
The pan-blue camp is using the NCC bill so that it can challenge the central government and shift power from it to the pan-blue camp's legislative majority.
If the bill is passed, the legislature would expand its power while the executive branch would be at risk of collapsing.
This is a dangerous bill that would allow the legislature to usurp executive power.
The PFP-backed cross-strait peace promotion bill allows the legislature to sign agreements with China establishing systems for military mutual trust and free-trade zones without the president's authorization.
This is a clear violation of the president's right as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The NCC bill has been the target of much debate.
Nevertheless, a much greater crisis is the peace bill that is tied to the NCC bill.
Under this bill, a special cross-strait negotiation commission would be established to in order to carry out cross-strait talks without presidential authorization.
Also, the bill specifies that once the commission's decisions and proposals are passed by the legislature, they are binding on all government agencies.
Those who refuse to implement such decisions and proposals will be investigated and punished by the judiciary.
Additionally, the bill rules that the commission members are appointed according to the percentage of legislative seats each political party holds, and that the president must officially appoint the members within five days after having received a nomination list from the legislature.
If the president fails to do so in a timely manner, the appointments will be validated by default, and the committee shall deliver a special report to the legislature on this.
Judging from the regulations for appointment in this bill, it is yet another March 19 Shooting Truth Investigation Special Committee Statute (三一九槍擊事件真相調查特別委員會條例), transferring the president's executive rights to the legislative branch.
The KMT and PFP's motives for tying the two bills together is self-evident.
One bill tries to challenge the executive rights of the DPP-led government, and the other tries to replace the president as the nation's highest leader.
Think about it: If they really take advantage of their legislative majority to force through legislation that would make them a "shadow cabinet," their grab for power will severely damage Taiwan's governmental system, split the nation and lead to domestic disorder.
It is vitally important that we protect the nation from domestic chaos that is created by the pan-blue camp's misconduct.
It is hoped that the public will firmly support us so that we can say "no" to the KMT, the PFP, and legislative chaos.
Chuang Ho-tzu is a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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