As a Hong Konger, I have witnessed firsthand the erosion of institutions and freedoms under the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) authoritarian rule. Once a beacon of liberty, Hong Kong has seen its institutions systematically dismantled.
The people of Hong Kong have long fought for universal suffrage and other safeguards of individual freedom, only to face defeat. In light of this, our hope now turns to Taiwan, a liberal democracy, to carry the hope of peace and liberty for the region and the world.
Taiwan’s political institutions do not operate in isolation. The intricate interplay between these can either reinforce or undermine the system.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), the two opposition parties who together have a majority in the legislature, have proposed changes to increase legislative scrutiny of the government.
One controversial proposal allows lawmakers to punish officials for making false statements or withholding information, aiming to ensure government accountability. Critics argue that the legislation lacks clear definitions and should be more thoroughly discussed.
Some see the move as driven more by partisan interests than the public good. Frustrated Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters have taken to the streets in protest.
Populism arises when people view politics as a zero-sum struggle for dominance, rejecting tolerance and diversity. Taiwan is not alone in facing the challenge of rising populism. Democracy transcends electoral politics; its essence lies in rational debate and consensus-building. If Taiwan cannot move beyond antagonistic partisanship, its liberal democracy risks degenerating into populism and institutional crisis.
There is hope that Taiwanese can make the right decisions. The transformation requires a shift in political culture, where elected representatives understand that they represent the entire nation, not just their supporters.
Representative democracy fails if elected officials prioritize partisan interests over the public good. Therefore, established liberal democracies often include mechanisms to ensure minority representation, such as bipartisan or multiparty parliamentary commissions.
Emerging from authoritarian rule in the late 1980s, Taiwan’s democratic institutions have made significant strides in developing a robust constitutional framework. While most people focus on the development of universal suffrage and electoral politics, little attention has been paid to the crucial role of judicial oversight.
The Constitutional Court Procedure Act (憲法訴訟法), which came into effect in 2022, empowers the Constitutional Court to decide on the constitutionality of statutes and regulations.
While parliaments can legislate on a wide range of issues, their powers are not absolute. Judicial oversight ensures that laws comply with constitutional principles and legislative due process, protecting individual rights from potential overreach.
Rather than granting more power to the legislature to punish executive officers, it is crucial to remember that a nonpartisan and independent judiciary is essential to uphold the rule of law and ensuring all institutions are accountable.
Only when there is a robust framework with proper checks and balances between branches of government can people develop trust in the representative democratic institution.
Some believe building a global presence and strengthening ties with major powers can protect Taiwan from foreign aggression. However, we should not forget that challenges to democratic institutions come from external and internal sources.
By transcending partisan politics and leading the discussion on necessary reforms, the DPP, KMT and TPP can build a more resilient and inclusive democratic system. The Chinese will also be watching. A flourishing liberal democratic Taiwan could inspire Chinese to question their own oppressive regime.
Lastly, I hope my fellow Hong Kongers who have found a new home in Taiwan can contribute constructively to public discourse.
Taiwan’s success can exemplify how an East Asian society can thrive as a modern liberal democracy, serving as a beacon of hope for those aspiring to freedom and democracy in the region and beyond.
Simon Lee is a former executive and columnist of Hong Kong’s now-defunct Apple Daily who moved to the US in 2020.
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