Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) yesterday questioned the motives behind President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) apology to the nation’s Aborigines, saying it was either a formality or a politically motivated gesture.
Speaking at a “mobile” meeting of the KMT Central Standing Committee in Taitung County yesterday afternoon, Hung blamed the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) boycotts and resistance as the main reasons that some draft legislation the KMT had pushed for when it was in power benefiting Aborigines failed to clear the legislative floor.
“The KMT made unreserved efforts to take care of Aborigines when it was in office, such as the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law (原住民基本法), the passing of a four-year infrastructure development scheme worth NT$50 billion [US$1.57 billion at the current exchange rate] and revitalizing the Comprehensive Development Fund for Indigenous Peoples,” Hung said.
Photo: Chang Tsun-wei, Taipei Times
The KMT had also worked with the legislative and administrative branches to push for the passage of the draft indigenous self-rule temporary regulations to govern traditional Aboriginal customs and the draft indigenous people’s land and ocean act, she said.
Given that the stalled passage of the draft indigenous people’s land and ocean act was a direct result of a DPP boycott, Hung said she could not help but wonder whether the apology Tsai made on behalf of the government on Monday was simply for the sake of appearances.
“Is Tsai serious about helping Aborigines, or does she have ulterior motives?” Hung asked.
Delivering on a campaign pledge, Tsai made the unprecedented apology following a ceremony in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei on Indigenous People’s Day, with representatives of Taiwan’s 16 recognized Aboriginal communities in attendance.
Hung later yesterday visited an Aboriginal community in Taitung, at which she said Aborigines have been the KMT’s best friends and adamant supporters, vowing to continue efforts to improve their quality of life.
“What Aborigines need is not an apology, but a government that is capable of accomplishing actual deeds,” Hung said.
Hung also visited fruit farms that were last month severely damaged by Typhoon Nepartak, calling on the public to offer more help to people affected by the storm.
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