Hsieh Cheng-ta and Liao Wan-ju Decline监察Commission Nomination; Presidential Office: Respectful but Regretful

Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, June 16

Hsieh Cheng-ta, former Deputy Mayor of New Taipei City, and Liao Wan-ju, former KMT legislator, both nominated for监察Commission membership, announced today their refusal of the nomination. In response, Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated in a press briefing this evening, "We respect their decisions, though we regret them," and called on political parties to prioritize national interests and public welfare, ensuring that institutional reform and constitutional governance proceed in parallel.

On June 11, Vice President Hsiao Mei-chu announced that President Lai Ching-te had nominated Chen Yung-hsing, former president of the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, as监察President, and incumbent监察Commissioner Wang Jung-chang as Vice President. Additional nominees for监察Commissioners included Hsieh Cheng-ta and Liao Wan-ju.

Hsieh issued a written statement today declining the nomination. Liao also announced in the evening, after careful consideration, her decision to decline the监察Commission nomination, expressing her support for the Legislative Yuan’s constitutional amendment proposal to abolish the监察Yuan.

Kuo Ya-hui responded this evening, stating, "Respectful, yet regretful."

Kuo emphasized that Hsieh has long contributed to public administration, human rights, and labor affairs, possessing deep professional expertise and administrative experience. Liao, having participated in legislative and local public affairs, is well-versed in public sentiment and grassroots needs. The President’s nominations aimed to leverage their respective professional backgrounds, experiences, and public credibility to strengthen the监察Yuan’s oversight function and meet public expectations for justice, clean governance, and checks on power.

Kuo acknowledged ongoing public debate over the existence of the监察Yuan and constitutional reform. However, she stressed that constitutional adjustments must follow democratic procedures, social consensus, and rational legislative deliberation. Until any institutional changes are finalized, constitutional bodies must continue operating lawfully, and national governance must not stall.

Kuo reiterated that the President remains committed to fulfilling constitutional responsibilities to ensure the监察Yuan’s normal operations and expects the Legislative Yuan to duly exercise its constitutional power of consent. She urged all parties to act in the nation’s interest and for the people’s benefit, ensuring that institutional reform and constitutional operations advance hand in hand. (Edited by Su Lung-chi) 1150616