Political commentator Nan Fang Shuo (南方朔), a cofounder of renowned political weekly The Journalist, has died at 78, according to reporter Chen Hao (陳浩), who was a colleague of the commentator when they worked for Chinese-language China Times.
In a Facebook post yesterday evening, Chen lamented the death of Nan Fang Shou, whose real name was Wang Hsing-ching (王杏慶), saying that he passed away peacefully at 1:45pm on Monday.
Photo: Taipei Times
Speaking in a phone interview, Chen said he visited Wang's mourning hall to pay his respects on Monday, adding he and many of Wang's friends were surprised by the bad news and saddened at his passing.
While Chen did not disclose the cause of death, local media reported the political commentator died of pneumonia.
As of press time, Nan Fang Shuo's family had not commented on his death.
Lo Mei-ling (羅玫玲), a veteran in the local publication business, said Wang had a stroke some time ago and been in poor health ever since, adding that her father and Wang were once hospitalized in the same facility around the same time.
Wang was born in 1946 and received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in forestry from National Taiwan University, followed by a Ph.D program in economic planning at Chinese Culture University.
Wang served as a reporter, column section chief, associate editor and editor-in-chief at China Times before establishing The Journalist in 1987 with other political commentators Wang Chien-chuang (王健壯), Antonio Chiang (江春男) and Chou Tien-jui (周天瑞).
Launched prior to the lifting of Martial law in September 1987, the magazine sought to be a flag-bearer for a free press, democracy and social justice, in addition to providing "a voice that Taiwan cannot be without."
After being informed of Wang's death, Chiang and Chou said they were too upset to talk to the media.
Titian Publishing Co said Wang tried his best to fight the political system by planning and participating in street movements and he was good at understanding the pulse of society, praising the commentator for the support he provided the younger generation and calling him a heavyweight in Taiwan's cultural and political arena.
Columnist Tsai Chi-ta (蔡其達) likened Wang to Prometheus in Greek mythology, who defied the Olympian gods by taking fire from them and giving it to humanity in the form of technology, knowledge and, more generally, civilization.
Tsai said Wang lit the candle of life in his era, adding that history will never forget him.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the
RSS