Control Commission: Maintain System Before Constitutional Reform; Public Urged to Reflect on Oversight Arrangement

(Taipei, June 15, CNA reporter Kao Hua-chien) The debate over whether to abolish Taiwan's Control Yuan has intensified. Commissioner Fan Shu-lu stated today that without an oversight body, there would be no one to supervise the government, urging the public to deeply consider how oversight powers should be structured in the future. Commissioner Chi Hui-jung emphasized that the current system should remain intact until constitutional amendments are passed. She warned that abolishing commissioners while retaining the Control Yuan would be disastrous. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should not be eliminated along with the Control Yuan, she added, expressing relief at her upcoming retirement: "Finally, I won't have to endure further humiliation."

The sixth-term Control Yuan commissioners' term ends on July 31 this year. On June 11, the Presidential Office announced a list of 29 nominees for Control Yuan commissioners and submitted a formal request to the Legislative Yuan for confirmation. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has expressed support for the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party to consider rejecting the nominees and has advocated for constitutional reform to abolish the Control Yuan. The Taiwan People's Party also supports abolishing the Control Yuan.

Today, Chi and Fan held a press conference addressing recent disciplinary and sexual offense cases within the Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Justice, presenting findings and corrective measures. During the Q&A, reporters asked about Chiang Wan-an's call to reject the nominees.

Fan stated that many political statements are merely for sensationalism, noting such rhetoric has been repeated frequently. As long as the Control Yuan exists under the current constitution, she and her colleagues will continue diligently fulfilling their duties. She questioned who would oversee agencies like the Investigation Bureau if oversight powers were eliminated, urging the public to seriously consider the future of oversight mechanisms and calling for thorough discussion within the constitutional amendment process.

Chi, who also serves as deputy chair of the NHRC, warned that abolishing commissioners while keeping the institution would be problematic. She highlighted that numerous civil groups and international organizations have long advocated for Taiwan's human rights body. After over a decade of efforts, the NHRC was finally established. Eliminating it alongside the Control Yuan would invite strong international criticism, potentially undermining Taiwan's reputation as an "Asian human rights beacon" and suggesting human rights progress has stalled—her greatest concern. Therefore, the NHRC must be preserved independently of the Control Yuan.

When asked whether she supports abolishing the Control Yuan, Chi stated that the current constitutional framework must be maintained until formal amendments are made, otherwise oversight functions cannot operate. Abolishing commissioners while retaining staff raises operational questions: "Are we to keep them on payroll with no function?" She urged serious discussion and adherence to constitutional procedures until reform is enacted.

Regarding KMT legislator Lo Chih-chiang's proposal to merge oversight powers into the Legislative Yuan, Chi questioned how this could be done without constitutional changes. She warned that halting Control Yuan operations now would create governance gaps—such as who would handle serious cases like those in the Investigation Bureau. "Would the Legislative Yuan suddenly step in? That’s absurd and impossible."

Chi noted that internationally, when legislative bodies assume investigative powers, it typically requires a bicameral system. Taiwan’s unicameral legislature makes such a transition complex and necessitates extensive discussion.

Chi also expressed that commissioners have been severely stigmatized during their tenure: "It’s unbearable for dedicated commissioners. I’m truly glad to retire—finally, I won’t have to endure further insults." (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150615