Li Zhenxiu's First Interpellation Session, Cho Jung-tai: Executive Yuan Officials Not Obligated to Respond

The Legislative Yuan continued its general interpellation session in the morning. Before Li Zhenxiu's turn to question, all seven other legislators from the Taiwan People's Party caucus came to support her, holding placards that read "Defend the ROC legal system" and "Defend the political rights of cross-strait spouses." After Li Zhenxiu took the stage, she invited Cho Jung-tai, Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang, and Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Tai-san to the interpellation stand. However, Cho Jung-tai gestured for Liu Shih-fang and Chiu Tai-san not to come to the stage. Cho Jung-tai then stepped onto the interpellation stand and told Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu that his presence was out of respect for the Legislative Yuan President's management of the Legislative Yuan's proceedings. He stated that "Ms. Li Zhenxiu" standing opposite him had not legally renounced her Chinese household registration and nationality, which completely violates the explicit provisions of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and the Nationality Act, and fails to demonstrate sole allegiance to the Republic of China. Therefore, she cannot be a legally qualified member of the ROC parliament. He placed the responsibility for this on the Chinese government, not the Taiwanese government. Cho Jung-tai stated that anyone with Chinese nationality must accept the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, the Anti-Secession Law, the Intelligence Law, the Anti-Espionage Law, and the National Security Law, and is obligated to promote unification and collect intelligence for the People's Republic of China. Cho Jung-tai said that to be a legitimate member of the ROC parliament, one must strictly guard state secrets and security. If there is any doubt about a person's qualifications, either they violate the laws of the People's Republic of China, or they must comply with the laws of the People's Republic of China to collect intelligence for it, otherwise they will also violate the laws of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It is necessary to ensure national security and not leak state secrets. These two are contradictory, and no normal person can do both. Cho Jung-tai stated that only a legislator who has completed all procedures and is a qualified member of the ROC parliament can exercise the right of interpellation in the Legislative Yuan in accordance with the Constitution. If the procedures are not completed, they are naturally not a legislator of the Republic of China and cannot exercise constitutional rights, and the Executive Yuan has no obligation to respond. Cho Jung-tai said that at this time, executive officials must express their position to the Legislative Yuan President: all heads of agencies are not obligated to accept interpellation from any individual who does not possess the legal qualifications of a member of the ROC parliament in the plenary session. This is a loyal adherence to the Constitution and a responsibility that must be borne. Han Kuo-yu then pointed out that legislators have the right to question the Premier and heads of various ministries and commissions during meetings. This is an institutional design based on the principles of democratic politics and responsible politics in the Constitution. He hoped that the Premier and heads of various ministries and commissions would respect the interpellation rights of Legislative Yuan members in accordance with relevant regulations. Han Kuo-yu immediately announced a recess, and Li Zhenxiu remained at the interpellation stand without leaving. About 8 minutes later, the plenary session resumed, and Li Zhenxiu spoke alone at the interpellation stand until the time expired, while Cho Jung-tai and cabinet officials did not come to the stage. Li Zhenxiu said that it was regrettable that the Executive Yuan faced the interpellation with such an attitude. She accused the DPP of violence, trampling on the rule of law, suppressing dissent, and blocking supervision. She said that today's actions were not just aimed at her, but sent a signal to all new immigrants that their voices and those of cross-strait spouses can be denied and disappeared. She asked, "Are cross-strait spouses only fit to be second-class citizens?" She urged the Executive Yuan to respect the Legislative Yuan, respect a diverse society, and respect the political rights of cross-strait spouses. Li Zhenxiu finally stated that she is solely loyal to the Republic of China, firmly defends Taiwan's democracy and freedom, and exercises her duties as a ROC legislator. She said that her presence there today is the pride of Taiwan's democracy, and she invited all new immigrants and cross-strait spouses, and asked all kind new Taiwanese family members, to jointly stop the Lai government from continuing its destructive actions that undermine the constitution and disrupt governance. Towards the end of her speech, Li Zhenxiu became emotional and her voice choked. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150407