Whipping the legislature
It seems Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) is not fated to become legislative speaker. He said he has been cast as a bit of a “wheeler-dealer,” which is not entirely fair and for that one must feel some sympathy.
The term “wheeler-dealer” means someone who can broker deals. There are many issues that people simply do not agree on and sometimes even come to blows over.
What is wrong with being able to get everyone to compromise a little on their positions without resorting to violence?
Of course there needs to be a bit of banter before legislators formally begin debating the complexity of laws in the Legislative Yuan. This helps reduce tension and disagreements during actual debates.
Being a successful diplomat in such situations is a skill and not something that everyone can do. First of all, one needs to be approachable and affable. Second, one needs to be sufficiently clear about their personal position, otherwise one might be influenced by the convictions of others. Most importantly one needs to have thick skin, like an elephant’s hide, to be able to take defeats in stride and protect oneself against the inevitable fallout when things go wrong.
From this point of view, Ker’s many years as DPP caucus whip, brokering countless deals between Peter and Paul, is something he ought to be commended on.
President-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is going to need to focus on neutrality of the legislative speaker when she takes power. The future speaker is going to have to deal with issues fairly and must avoid taking a partisan stance.
From the perspective of party interests, the role of the party caucus convenors is actually far more important than the legislative speaker for bringing opposing voices together.
Therefore, it would follow that appointing Ker, with his years of experience and skill in bringing people together, would be the best option.
Chen Wen-ching
New Taipei City
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