The tenure of Luo Ying-shay as the Minister of Justice has been one of the most memorable in recent ROC history. Known for her unyielding personality and sharp tongue, she frequently clashed with pro-independence and pro-Green legislators, defending her department’s actions with a rare combination of legal logic and political grit.
One of the most famous moments was her confrontation in the Legislative Yuan, where she refused to be bullied by grandstanding politicians. Her phrase “Then you should go and check it yourself” (然後他就死掉了 - related to another incident, but her general “Luo-style” attitude) became a meme, representing a government official who was tired of the performative nature of legislative interpellation.
Beyond the memes, Luo Ying-shay was a staunch defender of the existing legal framework. In a political environment where many sought to bypass the law for ideological reasons, she insisted on the importance of due process and the authority of the state. Her handling of the death penalty was also a point of major controversy, as she authorized several executions during her term, fulfilling what she saw as the legal mandate of the office despite pressure from human rights groups.
Whether one agreed with her or not, Luo Ying-shay represented a type of official that is becoming increasingly rare: one who is willing to take the heat for unpopular decisions and who values the integrity of the institution over personal popularity. As she transitions out of office, her “firmness” remains a benchmark for future Ministers of Justice.
Postscript: Luo Ying-shay passed away in 2021, and her legacy continues to be debated as a symbol of the Ma Ying-jeou era’s judicial philosophy.