KMT Chairwoman: Parliament is Essential, President Sometimes Less So

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Jaw Shaw-kong has underscored the vital role of the legislature in the functioning of a democratic society. Speaking at a mock legislative session, she stressed that while a president's importance can fluctuate, a robust parliament is indispensable for any democratic nation.

Jaw shared her extensive experience as a legislator, highlighting the dynamic debates and procedural battles that take place on the legislative floor. She aimed to provide the young participants with a concrete understanding of how the Legislative Yuan operates. "The most crucial core of democratic politics is the legislature," Jaw stated, emphasizing that in democratic countries worldwide, "sometimes the president is not important, but you cannot be without a parliament."

Reflecting on the nature of democracy, Jaw noted that no system is perfect. She encouraged participants to consider the necessary conditions, mechanisms, culture, and environment required for democratic systems to function effectively. She described the essence of democratic politics as dialogue, debate, compromise, and the eventual pursuit of consensus, cautioning that constant bickering hinders effective governance.

Jaw urged the students to not only experience the procedural aspects of the mock legislature but also to compare it with the realities of Taiwan's parliament. She encouraged them to identify aspects worth affirming and areas needing improvement, thereby cultivating their public participation and democratic literacy. Looking ahead, Jaw expressed her hope that the younger generation will take the reins of Taiwan's democratic development in the coming decades, fostering a more mature and sound democratic society through rational thought and active engagement.

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The most crucial core of democratic politics is the legislature. In democratic countries worldwide, sometimes the president is not important, but you cannot be without a parliament.