President Chen Shui-bian (
Chen asked that Su "take good care" of the problem and mete out punishment if necessary.
He also asked Yu to discuss the possibility of revamping exiting laws within the DPP caucus to make it mandatory to publish information on financial institutions with extravagant bad loans.
"I am totally baffled by the regulation. Why cannot the identity of the individuals who maliciously pilage financial institutions be made public? Why must it be the government and the public who are left to deal with the problems, while those who are responsible get away with it?" he asked.
Chen made the remarks during a press conference held in Managua, Nicaragua. He was visiting the nation's ally in Central America to attend the inauguration of Nicaraguan president-elect Daniel Ortega yesterday.
Yu is part of Chen's delegation in Nicaragua.
Two subsidiaries of the Rebar Asia Pacific Group (
The bank was taken over by the government through the Central Deposit Insurance Corp last Friday, causing a public uproar over alleged misuse of taxpayer's money.
Rebar Group chairman Wang You-theng (
Chen then commented on the fairness and utility of using taxpayer money to deal with the situation.
"The government must listen to the grievances of the people and bow humbly before them," he said.
On a separate issue, replying to a question about the constitutionality of prosecutors questioning the president, Chen said that it was open for debate and that the problem lies with the system rather than the person.
Chen caused a stir by relinquishing his presidential prerogative and accepting to be questioned by prosecutors investigating the alleged misuse of his "state affairs fund."
The DPP caucus has requested that the Council of Grand Justices determine whether prosecutors violated Article 52 of the Constitution, which grants immunity to the president except in case of sedition or treason.
While the Taipei District Court again requested that the Presidential Office present by today documents relating to the fund -- part of which Chen claims to have used for matters of secret diplomacy -- Chen said he would let the Presidential Office deal with the matter.
The office has refused to comply with the court's first request last month.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
ENDORSING TAIWAN: Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Afura said that Honduras was ‘100 times better off’ when it was allied with Taipei The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it would explore the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras based on the principle of maintaining national interests and dignity. The ministry made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding an article titled: “Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?” published in The Diplomat on Saturday. The article said Honduras’ presidential election in November could offer Taiwan the chance to regain an ally, as multiple candidates have promoted re-establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March 2023 in favor of Beijing, but since switching its diplomatic recognition,
Scoot announced yesterday that starting in October, it would increase flights between Taipei and Japan’s Narita airport and Hokkaido, and between Singapore and Taipei. The low-cost airline, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, also said it would launch flights to Chiang Rai in Thailand, Okinawa and Tokyo’s Haneda airport between December and March next year. Flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai would begin on Jan. 1, with five flights per week operated by an Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, Scoot said. Flights between Singapore and Okinawa would begin on Dec. 15, with three flights per week operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline said. Services between Singapore
A fourth public debate was held today about restarting the recently decommissioned Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, ahead of a referendum on the controversial issue to be held in less than two weeks. A referendum on Aug. 23 is to ask voters if they agree that “the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.” Anyone over 18 years of age can vote in the referendum. The vote comes just three months after its final reactor shut down, officially making Taiwan nuclear-free. Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) represented
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