The nomination of National Cheng Kung University Chinese literature professor Chen Yi-yuan (陳益源) as director of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature sparked protests among pro-localization groups over Chen’s lack of background in Taiwanese literature and his perceived pro-China stance, which they said could risk the integrity of Taiwanese literature.
The Ministry of Culture, which tapped Chen for the nomination, said that the decision was made after the consultation with literary professionals, and Chen’s experiences in administrative and academic affairs make him a worthy candidate for the post.
Several pro-localization groups, including Taiwan Society, Taiwanese Pen, Taiwan Association of University Professors and dozens of others, said in a joint statement that Chen’s research interest is mainly in folklore studies, which is not the focus of the museum.
Chen’s pro-China attitude could hamper the sovereignty of the Republic of China and the integrity of Taiwanese literature, the statement said.
His position as a consultant in Minnan studies at the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League — founded in 1947 in Hong Kong by Taiwanese communists and now one of only eight legally recognized political parties in China — arouses suspicions because of the organization’s perceived status as a united front operative for China, the statement said.
Chen’s proposed appointment is part of President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) plan to bolster Chinese culture, while downplaying Taiwanese culture, as Ma instructed the university to establish the Minnan Culture Studies Center immediately after he took office to work in line with China’s united front strategy, and a series of activities the center has been hosting to promulgate the Minnan culture is at the heart of Ma’s “one China” policy, the statement said.
The groups said that Ma’s plant is to divide and incorporate Taiwanese literature academics and create a false impression that even Taiwanese literature professors and students believe that both sides of Taiwan Strait can be united in the Minnan culture.
If Chen’s nomination is approved, the museum could become a facility dedicated to China’s Min-nan literature, they said.
The groups called on the ministry to rescind the nomination and pass the appointment to the next president.
As of press time yesterday, the university said Chen was on vacation overseas and could not be reached for comment.
Additional reporting by Yang Yuan-ting
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