Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (
The regulations were passed by a pair of legislative committees on Monday. Sponsors of the proposals say allowing casinos on offshore islands would help improve their economies.
Chang yesterday criticized the proposals at the Cabinet's weekly meeting and instructed the ministries of the interior, justice and transportation and communications to study the feasibility of offshore island casinos.
According to Frederic Chang (張平男), deputy director-general of the Government Information Office, the premier said that public opinion on the issue has been divided.
In addition, the premier said the draft regulations put forth by lawmakers failed to address how many casinos would be allowed on offshore islands.
The lawmakers' draft says that local governments would be allowed to permit casinos or hotels to set up gambling operations should the majority of an island's residents approve of the plan at the ballot box.
But Premier Chang doubted the feasibility of that idea, noting that the legislature has yet to complete the passage of a law that would allow for public referenda.
Chang also said the draft regulations appear to come into conflict with Criminal Law, which stipulates that gambling is not allowed. The premier asked the justice ministry to study the proposal's legality.
The premier yesterday also took aim at a separate legislative proposal to expand the scope of the "small three links."
Currently, only residents of the Kinmen and Matsu island groups may travel to China, but lawmakers want to allow any Taiwanese citizen to be able to make the trip via the offshore islands.
Chang said the move would undermine the islands' security and put added pressure on the military.
In addition, the Cabinet had been preparing a similar measure to allow casinos on offshore islands. The premier said he hoped the legislature would take the Cabinet's proposals into consideration before going ahead with its plans.
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