KMT Hits Back at Jaw Shaw-kong Over Party-Drafted Military Bill

The Kuomintang (KMT) has issued a strong rebuttal to former Central Broadcasting System chairman Jaw Shaw-kong's recent remarks concerning the party's proposed military procurement bill. Jaw had questioned the existence and necessity of a "party version" of the bill, particularly the "plus N" component for additional military purchases. The KMT's late-night statement, spanning over a thousand characters, aims to set the record straight and defend its legislative process.

The KMT argues that Jaw's assertion that there have never been "party versions" of legislation is factually incorrect and misunderstands the fundamental role of political parties in Taiwan's democratic system. The party emphasizes that "party versions" are a common and institutionalized practice, where policy proposals are developed by party think tanks and policy committees, then formally introduced through party caucuses or affiliated legislators. This process, the KMT contends, is a concrete manifestation of party responsibility in governance, ensuring policy coherence and alignment with the party's platform.

Specifically addressing the "plus N" clause in the defense special statute, the KMT clarified that it is not an arbitrary expansion of the budget but a structured mechanism designed for phased military procurements. Article 8 of the proposed bill outlines a clear system for subsequent procurement phases, contingent on military needs, US arms sale procedures, and the issuance of official price quotes. This design, the KMT insists, ensures that any additional procurements are subject to legislative review and oversight, thereby preventing the ruling party from unilaterally expanding the budget. The party views this as a crucial safeguard for responsible fiscal management and parliamentary supervision, a point it feels is being deliberately overlooked in the current debate.