TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Sports Minister Lee Yang (李洋) faced intense scrutiny Tuesday (Oct. 7) during his first interpellation at the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, over personnel power concentration concerns. Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Lin Chien-chi (林倩綺) challenged Lee on Ministry of Sports (運動部) staffing decisions, prompting an awkward head-tilt and smile response. The confrontation highlighted growing tensions over the newly established ministry's governance approach.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) defended the selection criteria for ministry heads, emphasizing fairness in personnel decisions, policymaking, and subsidy distribution. Lin highlighted heightened public expectations following the ministry's official launch Sept. 9, contrasting current centralization concerns with past collaborative approaches between universities and training systems. The legislator warned that concentrated personnel decisions could limit opportunities for local coaches and academic institutions across Taiwan's sports infrastructure.
Lin questioned Lee on ensuring fairness and representation across sports systems, prompting the minister to awkwardly ask if legislators believed the Ministry of Sports currently employed too many people. The legislator proposed establishing an external oversight platform to involve grassroots coaches and athletes in comprehensive policy discussions throughout Taiwan. Lee promised to consider more diverse opinions from stakeholders, but Lin demanded concrete implementation rather than vague promises.
Premier Cho intervened to assure legislators that ministry head selections were based on individual strengths and demonstrated commitment to comprehensive sports reform. Lee, notably dressed in a suit and sneakers combination, declined to comment on his attire choice or session reflections. The minister noted he had another interpellation session scheduled for the afternoon, underscoring the intensive legislative scrutiny facing the new ministry. ◼