A non-governmental organization has come out in support of the Cabinet's efforts to investigate whether the KMT's vast asset holdings were legally obtained.
The Alliance for Monitoring Party Asset Reform said yesterday it had acquired written endorsements from all of Taiwan's major parties -- except the KMT -- supporting the idea that the assets of political parties should be closely monitored.
Alliance members say the holdings of every political party, including the DPP, should be scrutinized. The group has also proposed the formation of a special monitoring commission, to be led by the president or premier.
"Assets owned by any political party that had once equated itself to the state and any properties gained illegally should be returned to the nation's coffers," Chang Ching-hsi (張清溪), the alliance's deputy convener, said yesterday while visiting the DPP's headquarters.
In addition, Chang said the alliance also holds the position that no political party should be allowed to own stock or real estate.
Also, Chang said the government should limit government matching funds that offset a political party's campaign expenses.
According to the Political Party Law, a party whose share of the vote in an election exceeds 5 percent is entitled to NT$30 per ballot won.
The alliance has urged legislative candidates to support the passage of a special law to cap campaign subsidies, but the group made no specific proposals.
"The alliance will ask legislative candidates to declare their stance in this regard," Chang said.
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