Minister of the Interior (MOI) Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全) yesterday vowed to take part in the March 26 protest against China's "Anti-Secession" Law.
"On one hand I am in charge of keeping public safety; on the other I am expressing my stand against China's passage of the Anti-Secession Law," Su said at a Legislative Yuan session yesterday.
When asked if his presence would necessitate an additional police presence, Su said it would not.
Vice Minister of the Interior Lin Yung-chien (
As the chief coordinator in charge of alumni relations for the Ketagalan Institute, Lin said he has been actively recruiting alumni to take part in the event.
"I believe Taiwanese have cultivated enough democratic maturity to be able to participate in this protest in a peaceful manner," Lin said.
New punishments
Meanwhile, Lin yesterday announced that the legislature has decided to mete out heavier punishments for theft and the possession of stolen goods.
"Theft of public property such as manhole covers, which is hazardous to public safety, will expose the offender to additional charges, such as endangering public safety," Lin said.
Petty crimes such as stealing power or telephone cables and the theft of manhole covers is more widespread in rural areas.
"People selling their loot at dirt cheap prices" has become a significant problem, Lin said.
Vendors selling pork of dubious quality and origin will also be facing strict sentences.
"These vendors will also face civil lawsuits, in which their personal assets will be at stake," Lin said.
To promote awareness of fraud among students, Su has asked the Ministry of Education to discuss this subject at a national conference being held in Pingtung today and tomorrow.
All these new measures are part of the national program to clamp down on crime, in which improving public safety has been one of the major long-term goals, Su said.
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