Lee Ming-tsung's 'Standing' Controversy Escalates; Chan Ling-yu Slams Lo Ting-wei: 'Committee Chairs Aren't Local Emperors'
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A controversy erupted in Taiwan's legislature after Sports Minister Lee Ming-tsung was made to "stand" during a committee meeting.
- Legislator Chen Pei-yu and committee chair Lo Ting-wei clashed over protocol, leading to Lee's awkward standing position.
- Media personality Chan Ling-yu criticized Lo Ting-wei's actions, stating that committee chairs are not "local emperors" and should not treat parliamentary rules as a toy.
A dispute over parliamentary procedure has intensified in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, stemming from Sports Minister Lee Ming-tsung being compelled to stand during a committee meeting. The incident occurred when legislator Chen Pei-yu and committee chairman Lo Ting-wei clashed over whether Lee should address the committee from the podium or remain seated.
Lee, who was present to report on the "Electronic Sports Development Basic Law," found himself in an awkward position, forced to "stand" while the debate unfolded. A widely circulated photo depicted Lo Ting-wei smirking at Chen Pei-yu, contrasting sharply with Lee's downcast expression, which ignited public dissatisfaction online.
Media personality Chan Ling-yu strongly criticized Lo Ting-wei's conduct, asserting that committee chairs should not act as "local emperors" and misuse parliamentary rules. Chan argued that the issue transcended whether Lee stood or sat; it was a matter of fundamental respect and procedural justice. She accused Lo of lacking the basic courtesy to allow the minister to address the committee from the designated podium, suggesting he used his authority to suppress dissenting voices.
Chan further pointed out the irony of Lo Ting-wei speaking for over half an hour without having registered for proceduralๅ่จ himself, while simultaneously preventing Lee from speaking. When challenged by legislators from the opposition party, Lo reportedly called for a recess and disappeared for over two hours, leaving officials and lawmakers waiting. Chan condemned this behavior as disrespectful to public officials and a blatant trampling of legislative authority and parliamentary discipline.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.