Chen Yung-hsing: Constitutional amendment could shift to three branches of power, giving Congress investigative and impeachment powers

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 11, Reporter Kao Hua-chien) Chen Yung-hsing, the nominee for President of the Control Yuan, said today that if cross-party consensus is reached in the future, the constitution could be amended to change the five-power constitution into a modern democratic constitution with three branches of power, granting the Legislative Yuan the power of investigation and impeachment. However, before the constitutional amendment is completed, efforts should be made to enhance the functions of the Control Yuan, improve the country's integrity, and promote fairness and justice. He stated that if he enters the Control Yuan, he will go all out and exercise his powers with independence and detachment.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim announced today that President Lai Ching-te will nominate former Taiwan Association for Human Rights President Chen Yung-hsing as the President of the Control Yuan and concurrently as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission. Current Control Yuan member Wang Jung-chang will be nominated as the Vice President. Additionally, 27 others, including Liao Wan-ju, Chairperson of the Pingtung Urban and Rural Development Culture and Education Foundation, were nominated as Control Yuan members, aiming to create a "people's Control Yuan." These nominations still require the consent of the Legislative Yuan.

Chen Yung-hsing, a director of the Peng Ming-min Foundation, posted an article on the "Whale Website" titled "Reflections on Being Nominated as President of the Control Yuan – To Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly." In the article, he stated that he received an invitation from President Lai in mid-May to serve as the President of the Control Yuan. He felt the heavy responsibility and did not dare to accept it immediately, asking President Lai for time to consider and pray.

Chen said he was deeply conflicted. On one hand, pursuing social justice, protecting human rights, and caring for the disadvantaged have been his lifelong goals. On the other hand, as he grows older, he only wishes to work for the Lord after retirement, engaging in social welfare services, and had never planned to return to public office. Moreover, the position of Control Yuan President requires the consent of the Legislative Yuan. Given the current political ecology and cross-party tensions, even with a desire to serve the people and the country, it may not be possible to realize the President's wish.

Chen stated that in his understanding, the Control Yuan should be an institution that "acts justly and loves mercy," serving as a guardian of social fairness and justice and an institution for the implementation of human rights protection. Supervising civil servants to prevent corruption and protecting the human rights of citizens from infringement are the inherent duties of the Control Yuan. He believes that if God's will is to guide him to continue forward in his remaining years and dedicate his God-given talents to the people, society, and nation of Taiwan, God will walk with him.

Chen said that after accepting the President's nomination, based on his lifelong belief in pursuing justice and protecting human rights, he deeply prays that when the Legislative Yuan exercises its power of consent, it will set aside cross-party opposition and resistance, and rationally consider how to enhance the functions of the Control Yuan, implement human rights protection, and reduce grievances.

Chen pointed out that if cross-party consensus is reached in the future, he would welcome amending the constitution to change the five-power constitution into a three-power modern democratic constitution, granting the Legislative Yuan investigative and impeachment powers. Before the constitutional amendment is completed, efforts should be made to enhance the Control Yuan's functions, play its role in supervising illegal and corrupt civil servants, protect the rights and interests of the people from infringement, reduce unjust judicial cases, and improve the country's integrity and fairness. This is the goal he will strive for if he enters the Control Yuan.

Chen said he is also willing to promise the people that the position of Control Yuan President is absolutely beyond partisan interests. As the President of the Control Yuan, he will exercise his powers with independence and detachment, and be accountable to the nation and its people. He will clarify government administration, protect human rights, base his actions on facts, act in accordance with the law, and never pursue personal or any partisan interests. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) 1150611