Taiwan leader William Lai accused of lying in row over oversight law

Opposition politician Ko Wen-je says Lai had promised to answer questions from lawmakers and asks ‘do pre-election promises not count’?

Reading Time:2 minutes

William Lai Ching-te has asked Taiwan’s constitutional court to rule on the legislation. Photo: CNA

Published: 4:29pm, 25 Jun 2024

Taiwan’s leader William Lai Ching-te has been accused by the opposition of dishonesty after he said he would not comply with a new law to increase the legislature’s power until the courts had ruled on it.

On Monday, Lai signed a bill that increases the Legislative Yuan’s oversight powers into law, but he said he would seek a ruling from the island’s constitutional court.

The legislature, which is controlled by the opposition, rejected a cabinet request to reconsider the bill, which was passed last month.

They give lawmakers greater oversight powers over the executive branch, similar to those of the US Congress. They also allow deputies to request information and documents from government agencies, the military, and other bodies and individuals.

The legislation also requires the president to deliver an annual address on the state of the island and respond to lawmakers’ questions – an act Lai considers a violation of the constitution.

On Tuesday, Ko Wen-je, head of the Taiwan People’s Party, which allied with the main opposition party Kuomintang to pass the bills, said Lai had promised to deliver the state of the island address to the legislature and “answer inquiries” from lawmakers during his election campaign.