The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus on Monday decided to suspend a controversial bill that would allow legislators full discretion over their stipends. Legislator stipends have become a contentious topic after proposals suggested lawmakers could use allowances without providing receipts.
The decision followed internal discussions in which KMT members expressed concern over potential public backlash and the need for broader consensus. The party aims to avoid rushing legislation while addressing concerns about accountability and transparency.
Legislator Chen Yu-jen introduced amendments to the Organic Act of the Legislative Yuan and related regulations last week. The amendments would let legislators and local councilors directly allocate funds for assistants and other expenses. The proposal initially allowed subsidies to cover health checkups, recreational activities, and costs mandated under the Labor Standards Act, without requiring reimbursement receipts.
Critics immediately raised concerns, citing past cases of lawmakers under judicial investigation for alleged misuse of assistant fees. The Democratic Progressive Party emphasized the importance of public debate before approving any changes. The party said reforms should not bypass democratic discussion or transparency procedures.
The Legislative Yuan’s Congressional Assistants Union also opposed the amendments. The union urged caution and warned that weakening the assistant funding system could undermine administrative support for lawmakers.
At Monday’s caucus meeting, most KMT legislators agreed to suspend the bill. Some members argued for gradual amendments to avoid questions about current officeholders. Others suggested delaying the measure until 2028 to ensure fair implementation. The party indicated that, if consensus cannot be reached, it might withdraw the bill entirely.
Experts note that legislator stipends remain a sensitive issue in Taiwan, reflecting wider debates about accountability, public trust, and the balance between elected officials’ autonomy and oversight. Government officials emphasized that public funds must be managed responsibly to maintain confidence in democratic institutions.
The KMT’s decision signals a more cautious approach, allowing time for dialogue among lawmakers and relevant stakeholders. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen transparency measures in the allocation and use of legislator stipends.
