TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) on Monday refused to directly reply to questions from China-born TPP Legislator Li Chen-hsiu (李貞秀), saying it would be “illegal” to respond to someone not qualified to serve as a legislator.
Li and fellow TPP legislators Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) and Chen Ching-lung (陳清龍) requested a joint interpellation session in the Legislative Yuan, per CNA. DPP legislators protested, citing a lack of precedent, leading to a standoff.
The meeting chair, KMT convener Liao Hsien-hsiang (廖先翔), called a recess to coordinate. During the break, TPP legislators held up banners condemning the government for allegedly shielding officials from scrutiny and denying Chinese spouses political participation rights.
After coordination, Liao allowed the three legislators to proceed with joint questioning, but their time would be counted separately rather than shared. Chiu then went to the lectern to respond.
Li argued that neither the MAC, Ministry of the Interior, nor the Cabinet can determine Legislative Yuan membership and that executive overreach would undermine democracy. She also requested that Chiu read Article 4 of the Constitution and Article 11 of its Additional Articles.
Chiu remained silent in response to Li’s questioning. Only after Liao repeated her questions did Chiu reply, framing his answer as a response to the convener.
The minister reiterated remarks made in a pre-meeting interview, saying that Li had not legally and timely renounced her Chinese household registration and nationality, therefore failing to meet election eligibility requirements under the Cross-Strait Act. He added that Li had not fulfilled the obligation of exclusive loyalty to Taiwan as required under the Nationality Act.
Chiu stressed, “Only legitimate legislators have the constitutional right to interpellate. If administrative officials respond to inquiries from someone who is not qualified as a legislator, it would be an unconstitutional and illegal act.” He added, “The government administers in accordance with the law and cannot knowingly break it.”
For subsequent questions from Li, Chiu again remained silent until Liao repeated her questions, after which he answered.
