Controversial legislative investigation bills clear second reading

Controversial legislative investigation bills clear second reading

2024-05-24

Several controversial bills cleared their second reading at the Legislative Yuan on Friday. The bills aim to expand the powers of the legislature and were proposed by the opposition KMT and the TPP. One of the amendments that has drawn heavy criticism from the ruling DPP concerns the investigative powers of the legislature. Under the proposed amendments for investigative interpellations, requests for legal representation would require approval from the chair of the hearing, who would also have the power to reject requests.

One lawyer, Lin Chih-chun, has pointed out that the bills blur the line between legislative investigations and criminal procedures. He says the bills do not clearly define whether the investigations will abide by the relevant rules of criminal procedures. He added that, even if that were the case, lawmakers themselves may not be familiar with legal interrogation procedures to begin with.

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藍白國會擴權法週五立院繼續審查

2024-05-24

立法院持續審查國會職權修正相關法案。二讀通過的條文，包括"國會調查權"的立院職權行使法第50之2條，被詢問者想找律師或專業人士協助，需要主席同意，綠營立委痛批羞辱民眾的作為。

律師林智群則點出草案盲點，「可以請律師，代表這個程序是刑事訴訟程序了嗎？訊問過程要適用刑事訴訟法嗎？立委知道刑事訴訟法詰問規定嗎？」他質疑，黃國昌在草案中對這個部分都沒寫，這樣法規是要怎麼運作？

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民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Close to 80,000 protesters gather outside Legislative Yuan against KMT-TPP bills

And outside the Legislative Yuan, a large crowd gathered during the day to protest the bills, with an estimated 80,000 people as of 8 p.m. Many in the crowd were high school students, some of whom had taken leave from class to travel to Taipei from as far away as Kaohsiung. Also in the protests were parents taking their children to see civic rights in action. One of the protestors was pro-democracy activist Lee Ming-che, who compared the current state of the legislature to China.

People thronged outside the Legislative Yuan to protest against the KMT and TPP ramming bills through the legislature to expand its power. Among them were many high school students.

High school student
We took the high speed rail from Kaohsiung at 6.30 a.m. My older brother asked for leave from work, and I asked for leave from class. I think if they want to pass these bills, they will definitely pass them, but we just want to come here and let them hear our voices.

High school student
I especially asked for leave to come here and my family was understanding and supportive.

High school student
I am from Hsinchu, and when I saw this news, I felt a sense of mission, and I thought I would come to defend Taiwan’s democracy.

Some people also brought their kids along to experience a rare sight of public citizenship in action.

Protester
It’s because I hoped my daughter could come with me to see how Taiwan’s democracy has developed. Passing such a chaotic bill in such an awful manner should not happen in a democratic country.

The TPP and KMT’s determination to ram these bills though the legislature has compelled Taiwan’s people to take to the streets once again. Lee Ming-che, a Taiwanese human rights activist who was once imprisoned by China, was deeply moved. He pointedly noted that using a legislative majority to force bills through the legislature was no different from a communist country.

Lee Ming-che
Human rights activist
If you call the opinion of a majority democracy, then let me tell you, which country is the most democratic country in the world? It is the PRC, across from us. Over there, there’s no debates, only a majority. This kind of democracy is the democracy of a dictatorship. Today the KMT is using its majority and wants us to accept these kinds of “democratic” values.

The movement called “I’m in contempt of the legislature” saw a series of events from the public all over Taiwan. Students from many southern universities in Kaohsiung held events of their own.

Lai I-wei
National Sun Yat-sen university student
To give an example, the definitions of contempt of the legislature or interpellation may not even be extremely clear. In this case, there may be great difficulties in any implementations.

Lee Yu-cheng
National Pingtung University student
I never expected that in Taiwan today, in 2024, in the Legislative Yuan, which is the highest legislative body in our country and which should be the place the pays the greatest attention to procedures and democracy, there would erupt an incident of such excessive proportions that violates democratic procedures.

In addition to university student representatives, a senior high school student also came to support the event.

Yu Li-wei
St. Dominic’s Catholic High School student
We can see the chaos in the legislature this time. Not only did they not seek any consensus, the KMT conveners even directly declared they would not send it to legislators for discussion. The KMT should go back to high school and retake civics classes?

Over in Chiayi, people held up placards with slogans and protested in front of the train station to convey their opposition of the expansion of legislative powers.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-05-24

Chinese coast guard vessels intrude into restricted waters in outlying islands

2024-05-24

‘Democracies are rambunctious places’: former US Secretary of State Pompeo

In an exclusive interview with FTV, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shared his thoughts about the recent scuffles in the Legislative Yuan, as well as China’s ambitions for Taiwan. The former official in the Trump administration said that having difficult times in the legislature was a normal part of every democracy. He added that there was no doubt that China would try to shape the politics in Taiwan, just as it was trying to do so in other countries around the world.

Ann Hu
FTV vice president
You’re now here in Taiwan for the presidential inauguration, and you must have met President Lai. What did you discuss with him?

Mike Pompeo
Former US secretary of state
Yeah, so I’ve had the chance to get to know him a little bit. I, of course, know the vice president even better, as she was your ambassador to the United States, so I’ve spent much time with her. I think they share a common vision for the people of Taiwan. I think they share a determination to deliver good outcomes. Just as this was a rigorous campaign, a hard-fought campaign, where they made promises to the people of Taiwan, I’m convinced that their sole focus, that the new president’s sole focus, is to deliver on that for the Taiwanese people, and I have great confidence that he’ll do that.

Ann Hu
FTV vice president
Do you have any advice for President Lai?

Mike Pompeo
Former US secretary of state
Oh, goodness, he doesn’t need my advice. He knows exactly what’s required for the people of Taiwan. My only wisdom to each leader that I encounter is to be true to the things you said you would do. I, every day, wake up thinking, like, “What did I promise I would do?” and try your best to deliver that, and when you do, there’ll be tough days, there’ll be rambunctious days, but good things will happen.

Ann Hu
FTV vice president
Taiwan’s parliament has been chaotic lately, and our parliament is controlled by the opposition. Do you think that will affect the Lai administration?

Mike Pompeo
Former US secretary of state
Yeah, oh, yes. No, no, democracies are rambunctious places. Our legislature has been, I think you said chaotic. Our legislature has been difficult too, even during, when I served in the legislative branch, it certainly was. I served in the legislative branch in America when President Obama was there, so the president from the other party, and it definitely shaped his capacity, it presented real challenges for him. And that’s OK, that’s what democracies do. They choose different people for different positions. I’m confident that this new president has been empowered to execute on his vision, and I’m confident he’ll deliver good outcomes.

Ann Hu
FTV vice president
Can China use this situation in parliament to affect Taiwan’s politics?

Mike Pompeo
Former US secretary of state
Oh, I don’t think there’s any doubt that the Chinese Communist Party is intent on shaping the politics here. They’re intent on shaping the politics in Niger, in Ukraine, in America, in Japan, all across the world. No, the Chinese Communist Party is making significant efforts to use not only their United Front propaganda campaigns, but whatever they can do to coerce legislatures all across the world. No, Taiwan ought not think itself unique in this risk. The Chinese Communist Party must be confronted, and importantly, leaders like your new president and leaders who understand this threat from China need to speak unambiguously about that. And when they attempt to interfere in our political processes, we need to both call them out for it, and do whatever we can to stop them.

Ann Hu
FTV vice president
This is your third visit to Taiwan. Can you share your deepest impression about Taiwan?

Mike Pompeo
Former US secretary of state
Well, goodness. So many. First of all, it’s a beautiful place. I’d never had the chance to travel outside of Taipei until my last trip, and had a chance to see other parts of the island as well. There’s still other places I would love to explore. But apart from its natural beauty and its economic importance, the people are just spectacular. They’re so kind, they’re so caring, they’re so hardworking. They care about families, they care about their faith. These are the kinds of people that are the best of America, and I think the Taiwanese people and the American people share a lot of that.

Ann Hu
FTV vice president
I do appreciate this opportunity to have a conversation with you. And I wish you have a nice day in Taiwan.

Mike Pompeo
Former US secretary of state
Thank you. Bless you.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-05-24

El Nino, climate change contributed to Southeast Asia heat waves

The effects of recent record-breaking high temperatures across Asia are far-reaching, from school closures to drought and health advisories. And while climate change is part of the problem, this year it was made worse by the cyclical weather pattern called El Nino.

For this rickshaw driver, April’s record heat in Myanmar was unbearable.

Sometimes, I have to go under the shade and rest for 10 to 15 minutes after I carry the passengers under the sun.

Not far from where he lives, the town of Chauke recorded a temperature of 48. 2 degrees Celsius - the highest ever recorded in Myanmar during April since records began 56 years ago.

Myanmar is not alone. April’s heat wave shattered high-temperature records throughout Asia, from Bangladesh to the Philippines. The record heat wave damaged crops, threatening food security, and has been blamed for dozens of deaths around the region. In Tan Phu Dong, Vietnam, the heat evaporated water supplies, leaving salty water behind.

Tran Ngoc Cuong
Resident of Tan Phu Dong
In salt water, there are generally no plants to grow. You cannot grow whatever you want. And it’s the same with livestock farming. We must have fresh water for them to drink.

A new study by the scientists at the World Weather Attribution group concluded that human-caused climate change contributed – making a heat wave 45 times more likely in parts of the continent.

The cyclical weather pattern known as El Nino, that happens when parts of the Pacific Ocean get warmer, also played a role:

Ben Zaitchik
Johns Hopkins University
That’s something that we increasingly need to adapt to as societies. And so, it means that we need to be ready for things that are more extreme than the average mean… to be ready for extremes that are reinforced by something like an El Nino.

Officials across the region have organized public awareness campaigns to protect people and issued health warnings. Governments have also set up water and cooling stations in vulnerable areas. Yet only some have developed sustainable strategies to tackle the escalating impacts of the climate crisis.

Due to the larger energy demand for cooling during the heat wave, there have been power outages, electricity rationing, and increased pressure on existing power infrastructure.

While the Monsoon season will likely bring relief from the heat wave, climate scientists warn that being ready for the next extreme heat wave will be critical.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-05-24

Foreign and health ministers to advocate for Taiwan’s WHA inclusion in Geneva

2024-05-24

European journalist with Taiwan’s FTV banned from covering WHO activities

The World Health Assembly opens on Monday in Geneva. In the past, Taiwanese journalists have been unable to get press accreditation as Taiwan is not a United Nations member. This year, FTV tried a new tactic. To cover the event, it hired longtime Taiwan advocate and YouTuber Stan Kwiatkowski [qui-KOW-ski], known on social media as "Stan from Poland." Still the results were the same.

Member of staff
United Nations
Sorry, what media is that?

Stan Kwiatkowski
YouTuber
It’s Formosa TV.

Member of staff
United Nations
From Taiwan?

Stan Kwiatkowski
YouTuber
Yes, the company is from Taiwan. I am from Poland and they are hiring me to report.

Polish YouTube star Stan Kwiatkowski was hired to be FTV’s foreign correspondent to cover the meeting of the World Health Assembly. However, his press accreditation was rejected. His rejection letter came from the U.N.’s Geneva office, so he decided to call them and clarify the reasoning behind this decision.

Member of staff
United Nations
Because we can only accredit journalists who have got a nationality and a letter of accreditation from media that belongs to a country recognized by the General Assembly.

In the past, the U.N. has stipulated that journalists need to have the nationality of member states and has refused entry to Taiwanese reporters. This time, even though the U.N. had no objections to a journalist from Poland, Kwiatkowski was still rejected, as his media company came from Taiwan, which is not recognized by the U.N. General Assembly.

Stan Kwiatkowski
YouTuber
Why do you leave Taiwanese people behind? Why do you leave people from that country behind? That means they don’t have access to the most fresh information, right?

Every year, Taiwanese officials, NGOs or media, do their best to join the WHA but are ultimately turned away. Kwiatkowski, was born and raised in Poland, and studied Chinese at National Chengchi University in 2009. After marrying his Taiwanese wife, he moved back to Poland for family reasons. But even 8,715 kilometers away, he’s continued to create video content to make Taiwan’s voice be heard.

Stan Kwiatkowski
YouTuber
They just place some conditions on you that you can’t possibly meet and then suppress you in that way. In this way, the rights of Taiwan’s 23 million people are being suppressed like this by an organization that not a single person has elected and has nothing to do with public opinion. I think these kinds of situations are really bad.

“Health for All” is the goal of the WHO. However, given its unfavorable treatment of Taiwan, this promise for many Taiwanese seems hollow.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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