A national politician says there’s no point changing the diplomatic relationship from Taiwan to mainland China if leaders continue to abuse funds.
This came after critics claimed the constituency funds given by Taiwan to politicians does not to improve the livelihood of people in the rural areas as MPs allegedly miss-used them.
MP for Temotu Nende, Commins Mewa said generally it is very hard to do away with the constituency funds from Taiwanese government.
However, Mewa believes that the $300,000 given by Taiwan every quarter of the year should be increased to $500,000 because of inflation.
He said since joining Parliament in 2010, the funding from Taiwan has remained the same until today.
“If the funding is intended for rural development, then Taiwan should give more money so we can spend it in our constituencies,” he said.
However, on the other side, Mewa said it’s also dangerous when MPs don’t use the funding from Taiwan for its intended purposes.
“This is when the members of the public accused national leaders of committing corruption because they do not use it for intended purpose.
“However, if they use it well, it should make a difference in their constituencies,” he added.
Mewa claimed even the Constituency Development Fund Act passed by Parliament does not has make any impact at all because
As such, Mewa said changing relationship to mainland China just for more constituency funds will not make any difference.
As such, he said the government should maintain the current relationship with Taiwan and improve the system of delivering the constituency funds.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
