KMT Press Release

Verbatim Transcript of Ma’s Conversation with Sijhou Indigenous Citizens and Ma Camp’s Explanation

Parts of KMT Presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou’s conversation with the indigenous tribes in Sijhou Township on December 8 were deliberately tampered with by the Green camp in a malicious attempt to derail Ma’s presidential campaign. To make matters clear, Ma camp spokesperson Lo Chih-chiang released the verbatim transcript of the conversation on December 26 and urged the Green camp to stop telling half-truths and distorting facts.

Lo went on to explain that Ma went to great lengths in taking care of indigenous people both in his capacity as Taipei Mayor and in his private capacity. Over ten years ago, while serving as the President of Harvard University Alumni Association, Ma made the decision to give away the funds raised to Duoliang Branch of Sikou Elementary School in the indigenous tribal area in Taitung County’s Taimalee Township, which Ma believed was more in need than Harvard University. Ma also voluntarily supported an indigenous little girl, covering the tuition for the little girl who was attending the second grade of elementary school back then. Ma continues supporting the girl who is now a college student.

Lo said Ma’s words should be viewed in the context rather than being cut into bits and pieces for distortion and exaggeration.

Appendix: Verbatim Transcript of Ma’s Conversation with Indigenous Citizens

Indigenous Lady A:
Let us stay there. We want to stay there, the place we fought for with perspiration, with our lives. We have shed a lot of blood and sweat there in the past three decades. We have a bond with the place. Please, President Ma, would you help us?

Ma:
Places where water flows through are not inhabitable. There will be problems if you keep staying there. So what should we do now? Move to another place nearby, or leave the mountain and find another inhabitable place. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t return home. It’s just that it would be dangerous for you to stay there. I have visited disaster-hit indigenous areas many times during the past ten years. Let me tell you something: some places are truly a horror.

Indigenous Lady B:
I was told just now that our place is the safest. The government has said it could not protect us indigenous people. President Ma, would you please give us an embankment for those of us living near the riverside? This would ensure our safety.

Ma:
Once you have come and lived in our city, you become one of our own. You become a Taipei citizen when you come to live in Taipei. I see you as a human being, as a citizen. And as such, I shall entitle you to the city’s education system and other opportunities. This is the way I see it. So I think the indigenous people should adjust themselves according to the environment. You follow the rules of the place you live in.

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