Taiwan Nominee Vows to Investigate Social Welfare, Accessibility if Confirmed to Control Yuan

Sun Yi-hsin, nominated to serve on Taiwan's Control Yuan, outlined his investigative priorities during a legislative hearing. If confirmed, he intends to focus on three primary areas: the implementation of Article 14 of the "Social Welfare Basic Law" concerning consultation and negotiation, the nation's accessibility environment including buildings, roads, and public spaces, and a comprehensive review of Taiwan's social welfare system, similar to a 2002 report.

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The president does not need to reward me, because I have not made any special contributions to the Democratic Progressive Party.

Responding to questions about President Lai Ching-te's campaign promise to build 500,000 social housing units, of which only 30,000 have been completed, Sun clarified the Control Yuan's role. He stated that while he would strongly supervise the implementation of housing laws, the failure to meet a political promise falls under the purview of politicians, not the Control Yuan's investigative mandate.

Sun also addressed criticisms that the Control Yuan is an institution for political patronage. He firmly stated, "The president does not need to reward me, because I have not made any special contributions to the Democratic Progressive Party." He emphasized his commitment to independent oversight.

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If it is a political promise, and it is not fulfilled, it should be borne by politics, not investigated by the Control Yuan.

During the hearing, Sun also fielded questions regarding the use of official vehicles. While initially deflecting, he eventually acknowledged that the public perception of such practices is negative. However, he stressed that evaluations should be based on internal regulations rather than solely on public opinion, and that oversight should not be limited to the use of official cars. He also clarified a misunderstanding regarding another legislator's identity.

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The perception is indeed not good.