DPP petitions for 'state of the nation'

Backed by 30 pan-green legislators, Wu's proposal is the first to rise from the newly elected Legislature.

Said Wu, the president needs to clarify his long-range program for Taiwan and report his rationale behind specific policies — on U.S. beef imports in particular.

“In the past two days, the issue of U.S. beef imports grew tremendously, because the ruling administration's post-election attitude has taken a hairpin turn from its pre-election stance. The turn influences U.S.-Taiwan relations, trade, and the health of the Taiwan people,” said Wu to media yesterday.

“Since policy is directed by the President, shouldn't he make his policy changes clear, make the rationale for change apparent to citizens?” said Wu.

Wu said “some people” believe that Ma bought U.S. support of his reelection bid, with his promise to strike down the beef ban.

“If there was an exchange in this way, that's tragic,” he said.

According to the Republic of China Constitution, the Legislative Yuan may summon the president for an address on the state of the nation. The motion must be proposed by a fourth of the Legislature and approved by two-thirds.

Q&A Not Necessary: Wu

It would be “100 points” if Ma takes questions after his address — but “60 points is fine,” said Wu.

“If the president is willing to deliver an address at the Legislature, we will not compel him to face the people in a question-and-answer session,” he continued.

The statement softens an earlier request by the DPP caucus. Right after Ma's re-election, DPP Legislator Tsai Huang-liang (蔡煌瑯) said that Ma should address the Legislature and then take questions from individual lawmakers.

“If Ma comes only to present his policies and list his achievements, he may as well be holding a media event at the Presidential Office,” said DPP Legislator Tsai Huang-liang (蔡煌瑯).

Wu said the 30 legislators are calling on Ma just to speak, and the rest is up to the president.

“Only when there's a first step can there be a second,” he said.

Presidential Office: No Comment

Presidential Office spokesman Fan Chiang Tai-chi (范姜泰基) said yesterday that there will be no comment until the motion is approved.

Similarly, Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) said Ma certainly must honor the invitation if the Legislative Yuan votes to approve the motion, but the Legislature is not there yet.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

PrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email