Opposition lawmakers on Tuesday used their majority to pass the second reading of parts of a legislative reform bill that would allow government officials to be fined up to NT$200,000 for “contempt of legislature” offenses.
Five items passed by a show of hands before Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) called an afternoon recess. Legislators were to return at 2:30pm to continue deliberation.
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers arrived at 5:30am to ensure they could occupy the podium when the doors opened at 7am.
Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times
Although there were no physical altercations like the last time the legislature discussed the reform bills on Friday last week, both sides shouted slogans across the chamber while displaying signs and banners.
The items that passed the second reading would bar government officials appearing before the legislature from asking questions back to lawmakers, as well as require officials to respond to questions and provide requested information.
Such acts considered to be in “contempt of legislature” would be punishable by a fine of NT$20,000 to NT$200,000.
Still to be discussed are amendments that would add “contempt of legislature” charges to criminal law, as well as expand legislative powers of investigation.
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