Legislation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of any country, particularly in Taiwan given the challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in undermining its democracy. The current administration led by President Lai Ching-te is facing a legislature controlled by the opposition that aims to shift power from the executive to the parliament, potentially exposing Taiwan to PRC influence and threatening its democratic institutions and freedoms.
Drafting laws is a complex process that requires careful consideration of not just the intended goals but also the potential unintended consequences. Democratic systems have mechanisms in place to mitigate these risks, such as thorough reviews, input from research bodies, public debates, and negotiation between chambers.
While democratic processes can be slow compared to authoritarian systems, rushing legislation can lead to poor outcomes. This is currently evident in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan as it hurriedly pushes through oversight laws without adequate scrutiny.
The proposed laws aim to enhance legislative oversight in line with global norms, but the speed and lack of attention to detail in the legislative process are concerning. The urgency to pass these laws is questionable, and the broad language could have adverse effects, including enabling politicized investigations and crackdowns on civil society organizations.
Maintaining a balance between the state and civil society is crucial for a healthy democracy. Giving excessive powers to the government to investigate non-governmental entities poses a threat to Taiwan’s democratic progress and could erode the fundamental freedoms that define the country.
The public outcry against these laws demonstrates a need for better public engagement in the legislative process to ensure laws reflect public support and consensus. Rushing through legislation without considering public feedback can undermine trust in the government and compromise Taiwan’s national security.