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Taiwan Quick Take

■ Justice
Caning presents a dilemma
Deputy Minister of Justice Wang Tien-sheng (王添盛) said yesterday that the ministry had no set view on whether serious sex offenders should be chemically castrated or caned and it would listen to public views on the issue. Wang made the remarks during a seminar sponsored by the ministry to discuss whether to cane sex criminals after three Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators recently proposed caning as a punishment for serial rapists. Those attending the seminar also included various legislative caucuses, women's groups and academics. Wang said that to add another form of punishment to the judicial system presented a problem and the ministry would have to solicit opinions before publishing its findings.

■ Politics
KMT changes threshold
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) announced yesterday that it had lowered the signature threshold for its presidential primary registration, making it easier for interested members to participate. The signature threshold will be lowered from 5 percent of more than 50,000 party members to 5 percent of about 10,000 members who have full membership rights, the KMT Central Standing Committee said. A registration fee of NT$7 million (US$210,000) is also payable. The party will issue application forms from next Tuesday to April 5, and accept registrations from April 19 to April 22. The KMT's presidential candidate will be determined on May 25. Only former KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has declared his intention to run so far.

■ Health
Pay NHI bills conveniently
Starting next month, health insurance bills can be paid at convenience stores, the Bureau of National Health Insurance said yesterday. The bureau said the bills can be paid at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Convenience Store, Hi-Life and Nikomart from April 20. The amount of each transaction may not exceed NT$20,000 and a processing fee of NT$3 will be charged. In related news, the bureau said yesterday that all health insurance expenses incurred last year may be listed as deductibles in this year's tax returns. For further information, call 0800-030-598.

■ Politics
Su turns camera shy
Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) said yesterday that he would not appear in any more TV commercials in order to avoid potential political attacks from his opponents. "In addition, TV commercials currently being aired with me in them will be dropped," Su said during yesterday morning's weekly Cabinet meeting. His comments came as a response to recent criticism from pan-blues, who accused him of taking advantage of TV commercials to promote himself. Su is vying for the Democratic Progressive Party's nomination for next year's presidential election. Su said his appearances in TV commercials were intended to promote the government's policies and urged his fellow Cabinet members to continue to appear in commercials.

■ Crime
Customs money stolen
Nearly US$50,000 in cash has been stolen from a warehouse at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport's cargo terminal, police said on Tuesday. The money had been confiscated from passengers who were carrying more cash than they were entitled to. Customs officials said 498 US$100 bills were missing.

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