TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislators from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) proposed on Thursday (Dec. 19) to freeze the special expense budget allocated for the labor minister, emphasizing the need for fiscal restraint. The move highlights ongoing efforts to ensure prudent financial management within the governmentthey said.
KMT Legislator Su Ching-chuan (蘇清泉) noted that the combined special expenses for the minister and deputy minister amount to NT$1,179,000. He proposed reducing this to NT$1.1 million to underscore the importance of thrift and suggested freezing 10% of the budget. This aligns with Su's broader advocacy for financial prudence in the ministry's operations.
Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰), who assumed office with a commitment to end the culture of gift-giving to superiors, stated he does not engage in such practices. Hung emphasized that any gifts bought with special funds should be sourced from sheltered workshops, thereby promoting ethical spending and supporting meaningful causes.
The Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee (立法院環衛委員會) ultimately agreed to freeze 10% of the budget. The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) is required to submit a detailed report to the committee within one month before accessing the frozen funds.
