KMT Blasts DPP proposal for Removing Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Portrait

 KMT Blasts DPP proposal for Removing Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Portrait

Source: All Taipei Newspapers

Feb 23, 2016

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Gao Jyh-peng (高志鵬) proposed on Feb.19 that the National Emblem and National Flag of the Republic of China Act (中華民國國徽國旗法) be amended. Among other things, Gao called for the removal of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's (孫中山) portraits from public buildings. Dr. Dun Yat-sen is the Founding Father of the Republic of China (ROC). In response, acting KMT chairperson Huang Min-hui (黃敏惠) stated candidly that the proposal was politically motivated and aimed at “eradicating the ROC” (去中華民國化). Huang urged every citizen to safeguard values of the ROC and safeguard the nation.

 Former deputy legislative speaker Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) yesterday also lambasted the proposal to repeal the legal requirement that portraits of ROC Founding Father Dr. Sun Yat-sen be displayed in public buildings, calling it an unwise move. Hung pointed out, “It is an ill-considered proposal. Would you toss away the memorial tablets of your ancestors at your family altar?” The KMT caucus questioned why the DPP did not plan to declare independence of the so-called “Republic of Taiwan” on May 20, the inaugural day of DPP president-elect Tsai Ing-wen.  

 Hung Min-hui stated, “We are citizens of the Republic of China. Dr. Sun established the ROC for the good of the nation. He fought for the people in the hope that all would belong to the people.” Huang stressed that to remove Dr. Sun’s portrait was “too politically motivated,” and an attempt to “eradicate the ROC.” On the contrary, people should unconditionally defend the values of the ROC and safeguard our country.  

 KMT caucus secretary-general Lin Te-fu (林德福) accused the DPP of persisting in political confrontation through introducing a number of bills in the name of so-called "transitional justice,” including ceasing saluting to the "Founding Father." Lin went on to say that “President-elect Tsai Ing-wen has called for peace between political parties; however, the DPP caucus, in sessions of the new legislature, continued to carry out purging and political fighting." Lin dared the DPP to declare the independence of the so-called “Republic of Taiwan”after May 20, if the DPP really had the guts, because “Article One of the DPP party platform stipulates that the DPP plans to establish a fully independent sovereign nation under the name of “the Republic of Taiwan.”

 Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強), a former spokesman of the Presidential Office, also posted a message on his Facebook page, asking “Is even the Founding Father to be axed?” criticizing the DPP for stabbing the Founding Father as soon as it has grasped legislative power. 

Attachment : none