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PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION: Mainland Affairs Council defends policy event spots
By Su Yung-yao / Staff Reporter
The locations selected by the Mainland Affairs Council to host a series of town
hall lectures focusing on the government’s cross-strait policies have raised
eyebrows within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has questioned the
council’s intent.
The events are mostly taking place in cities governed by the DPP.
The commencement of the council’s series of policy presentations last week saw
talks held at the Kungfan Temple in Yunlin County’s Mailiao Township (麥寮), the
Tsantien Temple in Yunlin County’s Sihhu Township (四湖) and the Chenghuang Temple
in Chiayi City.
This week, presentations will be held at the Ku Zhu Temple in Chiayi County’s
Shueishang Township (水上), the Zhenlan Temple in Greater Taichung’s Dajia
District (大甲), the Sanfung Temple in Greater Kaohsiung’s Sanmin District (三民)
and the Earth God Temple in Yilan County’s Lodung Township (羅東).
Council officials said the locations were picked because they would be able to
draw large crowds, adding that in addition to explaining the basis of the
government’s policies regarding China, the council is also seeking to exchange
ideas with residents to receive feedback on policies from local representatives.
Departing from the customary practice of sending mid to low-level office staff
to host the presentations, the council is sending its chairperson and three
deputy chairpersons to hold discussions on a rotating basis to signal that it is
placing significant emphasis on the discussions.
Despite questions from the DPP about the reasoning behind the locations they
chose, council officials said the presentations have nothing to do with the
presidential and legislative elections, scheduled to be held on Jan. 14 next
year.
Translated by Jake Chung, Staff Writer
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