TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) faced immediate criticism Monday (Sept. 1) as he assumed his role as Taiwan's new Minister of Economic Affairs. Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Yang Chiung-ying (楊瓊瓔) criticized the ministry for using Google Forms to schedule meetings with legislators, questioning the Legislative Yuan's (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, perceived status in the executive branch's eyes.
Yang emphasized that legislators supervise the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, through legislative decisions, budget reviews, policy reports, and inquiries. She noted that the focus should not be on whether ministers visit legislators, but on their commitment to prioritizing public needs. Yang believes every legislator would take their responsibilities seriously if ministers addressed issues pragmatically.
Yang remarked that no government ministry, representative office, or foreign think tank had previously used such methods to arrange meetings. She cited Minister of Culture Li Yuan's (李遠) dismissive attitude during budget discussions while highlighting his unwillingness to communicate with Taiwan's parliament.
Yang urged Kung to avoid using forms for issues concerning industries, small businesses, citizens, and journalists, stating that those in power should actively address public concerns rather than remain aloof. She pointed out Taiwan's ongoing challenges, including unclear tariff deadlines, lack of clarity on an NT$20 billion (around US$653 million) relief budget, and unresolved energy policy issues. Yang vowed to fulfill her duty to supervise and advocate for the people without relent. ◼