The National Communications Commission (NCC) could shut down in August as the term of the three remaining commissioners is set to expire on July 31, and the Executive Yuan has yet to nominate new commissioners.
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislators Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲) and Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) during a meeting of the legislature’s Transportation Committee asked NCC Acting Commissioner Chen Chung-shu (陳崇樹) about the Executive Yuan’s progress in nominating new commissioners, saying that with only eight days left until the month ends, time was running short.
The National Communications Commission Organization Act (國家通訊傳播委員會組織法) stipulates that nominees for NCC commissioner should be announced and submitted to the legislature for review three months before the existing term expires on July 31.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
If the commission fails to secure sufficient members by the end of July, it could effectively become a “hollowed-out institution,” unable to function properly, Wan said.
She urged the NCC to communicate with the Executive Yuan and put forward suitable candidates, and asked whether Chen had been approached for reappointment and whether he would be willing to continue serving in his position.
Hung echoed these concerns by questioning Chen about whether the Executive Yuan had consulted him regarding potential solutions to the impending shortage of commissioners, which could paralyze the agency’s operations.
Hung also criticized what he called the Executive Yuan’s “inaction.”
As long as candidates are qualified, the legislature would not deliberately obstruct the process, he said, adding that it should not be framed as political pressure from China.
Chen said he had conveyed the concerns to the premier’s office and responsible ministers, and expressed confidence that the Executive Yuan would address the issue.
“Taiwan has abundant talent and the selection of personnel should be left up to the premier’s discretion. We still have sufficient time, and the Executive Yuan would handle the matter appropriately,” Chen said.
The legislature has rejected the NCC commissioner nominees twice, once in 2024 and another last year.
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