Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presumptive presidential candidate Hung Hsiu-chu’s (洪秀柱) visit to a Kaohsiung night market was canceled over concerns expressed by Kaohsiung police for her safety, the contender’s team said early yesterday, before saying later that no change was made to the agenda after Kaohsiung police denied the allegation.
Hung’s team issued a notice to reporters about the cancelation of a tour scheduled for last night, saying that the city police had informed team members that Hung might not be properly protected amid the special municipality’s shortage of security guards.
“The Kaohsiung City Police Department said that since Hung is not yet an official presidential candidate, security is not sufficient for her to go to the night market. As her safety would be at risk, we have been advised to call off the event,” campaign workers said earlier in the day.
Photo: CNA
Because Hung’s itinerary had been “madly circulated online,” the night market tour was canceled over safety concerns, Hung’s assistant added.
“It has nothing to do with the city government,” the assistant said.
The municipal police department later denied the allegation, saying that no such suggestion was made to Hung’s campaign.
“We are here to sternly clarify that there is absolutely no such thing as [suggesting that Hung cancel the visit],” department inspector general Lee Yong-kuei (李永癸) said. “Deputy Legislative Speaker Hung’s safety would definitely be secured when she comes to Kaohsiung.”
There would be no difference in the protection provided to candidates because of party affiliations, he said.
Hung spokesperson Jack Yu (游梓翔) said Hung’s security detail had contacted an officer of the Kaohsiung City Police Department on Monday.
That officer said that since Hung has just two bodyguards, maintaining security at a night market might be a stretch for them, Yu said, adding that the tour had been called off for this reason.
Since the police now promised to help maintain security, Hung’s team decided to keep the activity on the agenda, Yu said.
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