Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Ma must ‘face the people’s misery,’ demonstrators say

Taipei Times

A group of National Taiwan University students stage a protest at the university against President Ma Ying-jeou and other key officials yesterday.
Photo: CNA

In the wake of the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) decision to postpone its party congress that was scheduled for Sunday due to protests planned against President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), a group of protesters from labor unions and civic groups yesterday protested outside the KMT headquarters, accusing Ma of evading public discontent and urging the party to address political strife.

Shouting: “Face the misery of the people, Ma Ying-jeou. Four KMT star politicians, stop blurring the line between right and wrong,” the protesters accused Ma and Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) of worsening living conditions for the public amid their political rift, and urged Ma’s possible successors — Vice President Wu Den-yih (吳敦義), Premier Jiang Yi-huah (江宜樺), New Taipei City (新北市) Mayor Eric Chu (朱立倫) and Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) — to resolve the issue for the sake of their own political futures.

Ma waging war on media, pundit says

Taipei Times

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has led Taiwan back to an era of “Soft White Terror” by bringing the media in Taiwan to its knees, political pundit Nan Fang Shuo (南方朔) said yesterday, adding: “I am a victim.”

Nan Fang Shuo told the Taipei Times by telephone yesterday that the Chinese-language China Times has lied about why it declined to run his column on Sept. 17 when the newspaper explained to Hong Kong’s Ming Pao over its rejection of the article.

From Confucius to "Animal Farm," the Hong Kong and Taiwan Experience

Jerome F. Keating Ph.D.

For many in Asia, the year 1997 was a memorable year--one that seems like it was only yesterday. It was the year when the United Kingdom (UK) "returned" Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It was a festive time and many went to Hong Kong just to say they were present at the handover event. To add to the festivity, the rulers of the PRC, a government, which did not exist when the UK and the Manchu Qing made their original agreement, promised the people of Hong Kong that in twenty years time they would have universal suffrage. All was well and good. However, now as the year 2017 draws nigh, not only have the festivities died down but they have been replaced by doubt, discontent and protests.In the aftermath, the looming falsity of that PRC promise has taken on far greater proportions and a showdown is building. It is a showdown, which regardless of the outcome, is full of implications not only for the people of Hong Kong but also for all people in the region including Taiwan.

Media and Ma get interviews wrong

Liberty Times Editorial

In countries with a presidential system, it is common for the president to appear on television to deliver speeches and explain policies. The ways in which these appearances are conducted differ according to the needs of the time.

Sometimes, these are one-way exchanges of information in which the president gives a single speech that is broadcast on the various TV stations.

Sometimes, the president will be interviewed, responding to misunderstandings and doubts the public may have by answering questions. This is when it is key for the media to show professionalism. For viewers of these TV appearances, media professionalism is as important as the president’s sincereity in his answers.

More Articles...