Independent Kaohsiung City Councilor Cheng Hsin-chu (鄭新助), a former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member, said yesterday he planned to lead listeners of his pro-independence radio program to demonstrate against president-elect Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) by setting off firecrackers upon his arrival in Kaohsiung for his inaugural banquet on May 20.
During a question-and-answer session at the city council, Cheng said many of his listeners saw Kaohsiung as “a heartless city” following the presidential election last month.
Cheng’s remarks were ostensibly in reference to DPP presidential candidate Frank Hsieh’s (謝長廷) defeat to Ma by 28,885 votes in the city, where Hsieh served two terms as mayor.
Cheng said his listeners had suggested imitating the campaign seeking to oust President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) led by former DPP chairman Shih Ming-teh (施明德) by “welcoming” Ma to the city by holding up banners and letting off firecrackers as soon as he and his foreign guests arrive.
Cheng said he was opposed to any expression of enthusiasm by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) — also of the DPP — as she receives the president-elect on May 20.
Cheng urged Chen Chu and Kaohsiung Police Bureau Director-General Tsai Chun-chang (蔡俊章) to determine whether his plan would be considered illegal.
“It is the right of residents to welcome or not welcome [Ma] in a peaceful way,” Chen Chu said.
During a question-and-answer session, Tsai said he would deal with the matter in accordance with the law.
Asked for comment later yesterday, Tsai said the city police and the National Security Bureau would ensure Ma’s safety on May 20, adding that setting off firecrackers upon his arrival was illegal.
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