DPP lawmakers, seeking to underscore the party's reform image, have proposed anew the formation of an anti-corruption agency.
The draft bill, sponsored by DPP Legislator You Ching (尤清), suggests the Cabinet set up a 13-member commission to coordinate the nation's anti-corruption efforts which critics say are divided.
"Public policies, statutes and orders concerning the execution and promotion of clean politics should all fall under the jurisdiction of the anti-corruption commission," the draft states.
"Many other countries have a similar institute at the ministerial level to pursue this goal," the draft states.
The draft legislation prohibits all commission members, who will be recommended by political parties and serve four-year terms, from taking part in any political activities. It adds that the state public prosecutor general and the minister of justice should be commission members.
Anti-corruption has been on the top of the DPP agenda since it came to power in May 2000. As next year's presidential elections draw near, the government has stressed its commitment to the cause to set it apart from the opposition challengers who have built their campaign around the economy.
To avoid conflicts of interest, the proposal would bar commission members from probing cases involving their family or relatives. If realized, the anti-corruption body would meet once a week and may call extraordinary meetings, whenever necessary.
Minister of Justice Chen Ding-nan (
The effort came to a standstill after critics called its merits into question. They voiced reservations about potential violations of human rights by anti-corruption officials who would have the powers of search, seizure and arrest in the absence of proper checks and balances.
You's bill has the backing of 32 other DPP lawmakers. The legislature is slated to take up the issue next Tuesday if opposition lawmakers don't protest the measure.
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