Taiwan's legislature will launch its own investigation into influence-peddling allegations against two legislative leaders that have triggered a stability-threatening political crisis.
The probe was requested by Democratic Progressive Party whip Ker Chien-ming, who has been accused of enlisting the help of legislative speaker Wang Jin-pyng to get a criminal prosecution against him dropped.
"I am willing to accept any results that are made in a fair and transparent way," Ker said in a news conference. The legislature, which opened its new session on Tuesday, was expected to act after it forms a new disciplinary committee on Monday.
The influence-peddling claims, which were detailed by special investigators for the Supreme Prosecutors Office on September 6, led Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou to push for Wang's expulsion from the ruling Koumingtang, effectively removing him as speaker.
The KMT's disciplinary committee removed Wang last week, but a court order has put the action on hold. The KMT is currently appealing against the decision.
Yesterday, Wang said he would co-operate fully with the legislature's investigation. A finding in favour of Wang and Ker could bolster Ma's critics who say the president unfairly rushed to judgment on Wang.