"Now that the ruling and opposition camps wield evenhanded power in the legislature, we may expect more showdown votes to settle disputed bills," Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
The foreboding proved to be no exaggeration in the last five months when both sides repeatedly invoked the measure to resolve their differences, leaving little room for rational debate.
In all, the body passed 153 bills during the period, thanks to improved attendance. The number does not include the budget for state-run businesses, the Cabinet's veto against revised funding rules or confirmation of various nominees for ranking posts in the Examination Yuan and Control Yuan.
"Despite better efficiency, there is much to be desired," DPP legislative whip Wang Tuoh (
All four caucuses agreed in the beginning of the session to give top priority to legislation recommended by last year's Economic Development Advisory Conference.
The consensus was totally drowned out by partisan rivalry first triggered by the ascendance to the vice speakership of freshman KMT lawmaker Chiang Ping-kun (
Having replaced the KMT as the largest force in the legislature, the ruling party insisted on winning the post and was bitter at losing it by seven votes.
From then on, confrontation instead of negotiation had been the means with which both camps approached disputes -- big or small -- with a handful of uncommitted lawmakers playing decisive roles.
PFP lawmaker Chiu Yi (
"I find it ill-advised to call a vote so frequently," he said. "It is not only time-consuming but denies individual lawmakers the liberty to weigh the pros and cons of bills at issue."
With a doctoral degree in economics, Chiu introduced several bills intended to help boost the economy which were put on the back burner. The disclosure of slush funds kept by National Security Bureau disrupted the legislative agenda for weeks.
"Frankly speaking, I don't think the issue is that serious," he said, noting that efforts to bring the bureau under greater legislative oversight almost died out after the press turned its attention away.
Top mobilization orders, formerly used to urge members to attend second and third readings of legislation, were now extended to committee meetings. To ensure conformity, punishment as severe as revoking membership is threatened against those who fail to comply.
Consequently, the DPP and its ally, the TSU, succeeded in blocking tens of bills from being sent to committees for review. In retaliation, the opposition alliance put an equitable number on hold. In many of the cases, the contents of the bills were not even discussed.
The acrimonious political climate plays into the hands of hawkish members in each camp.
At the insistence of KMT lawmaker James Chen (
Earlier the same day, leaders from all caucuses nearly compromised on the matter.
DPP lawmaker Tuan Yi-kang (
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